My boyfriend is the prince of New York, yet he pretended to be a poor university student with amnesia and freeloaded off me. Even after my best friend Lucy Lane tried to persuade me for the hundredth time to dump this pretty boy, I still refused. Breaking up with him was absolutely out of the question. Until one night, I overheard a conversation between Secretary. “Since the fish have already taken the bait, it’s time for me to go back and reel them in.” “Then, Miss Nancy Faye, what do you plan to do with her?” When I heard this, I almost burst out laughing. I’m finally going to get rich. 0 Lately, Hanson Gabe has been sneaking out behind my back. Before he leaves, he always prepares a table full of delicious food and sweet-talks me. Once I’m asleep, he quietly sneaks out. Little does he know, I’m not actually asleep because I’m waiting for him to betray me. Tonight, after he tossed me around for a while, he got dressed and left. This is the tenth time this month. My patience, though vast, was wearing thin. After he left, I threw on some clothes and followed him out the door. I hid in the stairwell, pressing my ear against the door. I heard Hanson’s voice from the other side of the door. “It seems those old folks at the company are getting anxious. I should head back and close the deal.” Another man respectfully asked, “Then, Young Master, how should we deal with Miss Nancy Faye?” Hearing this made me nervous. Hanson has been freeloading off me for so long, spending my money and sleeping with me; he better not plan on just leaving. Hanson replied in a low voice, “She’s obsessed with money. Just give her a check to get rid of her.” The other man seemed surprised by Hanson’s response and quickly said, “But Miss Nancy Faye has taken care of you for so long. Isn’t just giving her a check a bit heartless?” Hanson seemed annoyed, “What else should I do? Marry her? With her? A third-rate student from a third-rate university working at a third-rate company? And she thinks she’s worthy of entering the Gabe family?” The man then asked, “How much should I write on the check?” Hanson’s response was chillingly indifferent. “Whatever amount she wants.” Hearing Hanson’s chilling words, a surge of triumph and vengeance bubbled up inside me. “Whatever amount she wants.” This is the most beautiful love confession I’ve ever heard in two lifetimes. 0

Yes, two lifetimes, because I’ve been reborn. In my past life, I encountered Hanson Gabe under the guise of a hospital amnesia case. His face, chiseled and enigmatic, seemed to hold secrets I was drawn to unravel. Bewitched by his allure, I took him into my home, offering him the sanctuary of my food, my clothes, and my bed. To be honest, we did have a happy time together. It was so blissful that I believed love was everything. Hanson pretended he had amnesia from a car accident caused by a power struggle within his company. He used this time to secretly reorganize the Gabe Corporation from the shadows. The day the Gabe family sent their entourage to retrieve Hanson, ten Rolls Royces glided into my dilapidated neighborhood like a parade of dark, gleaming monoliths. The luxurious convoy drew the eyes of every resident, their gazes riveted to the spectacle that unfolded before them. I watched as Hanson changed into a tailored suit and put on a Rolex watch. He handed me a check for 5 million dollars, thanking me for taking care of him during this time. Back then, I was completely in love with Hanson, thinking love was more important than anything. I refused the check, only wanting to be with him forever. I can still remember the look he gave me—a look you’d give to a stray dog on the street. Disdainful, confused, amused. Later, Hanson unilaterally broke up with me. I couldn’t accept it and went to the media to expose our relationship during the time he pretended to have amnesia. Hanson gained a reputation for being heartless and cold. As public opinion grew, it caused turmoil in the Gabe Corporation, which had just come out of a power struggle. In the end, Hanson proposed to me under pressure and married me. On the second day after our wedding, I saw on the front page of the newspaper that he spent the night at a hotel with a popular model. From then on, Hanson tortured me daily, saying that seeing me made him sick. He even bought the media company I had exposed him to and revealed that I was the one who leaked the information. Overnight, I went from being a kind-hearted wife to a scheming gold-digger. Hanson’s cold violence and the online harassment eventually led to me developing depression, and I ultimately committed suicide at home. 0

When I woke up again, I found myself lying in the hospital where I first met Hanson, having fainted due to low blood sugar. Seeing Hanson call me “sweetheart” again and again, I rolled my eyes. This time around, it’s not about revenge. I’ve lived through the agony, and now, it’s all about seizing what’s rightfully mine. I’ve been reborn, and with this new chance, I’m focusing on one thing: that $5 million. Sure enough, in this life, Hanson still pretended to have amnesia and claimed to have fallen in love with me at first sight. When I saw his chiseled, devastatingly handsome face, it seemed like the words “5 million dollars” were written all over it. I rubbed my hands together and took him home. Everything is falling perfectly into place this time around. Hanson and I naturally gravitated towards each other, and I showered him with even more care than in the past life. When he was hungry, I prepared his favorite meals with my own hands. When he was in financial trouble, I generously transferred money to him without hesitation. And when he wanted to sleep with me? No problem at all—come right over, and let’s make this night unforgettable. Even my longtime best friend, Lucy Lane, condemned me with scathing words, calling me a heartless, ungrateful friend who had abandoned our shared dream of wealth and success. The neighbor across the hall was so angry about the care I gave Hanson that he complained to his wife about how little attention he received. Under my devoted care, my relationship with Hanson flourished. Unlike in my previous life, he began to embrace the role of a caring partner.He learned to cook and took pride in preparing meals for me, often surprising me with lunch at work. His gestures were the talk of the office, sparking envy among my colleagues who marveled at my seemingly perfect, attentive boyfriend. Ha—considerate, perhaps, but a sweet, obedient dog? Absolutely. Since taking in Hanson and deciding to make money, my work has been booming—I got three promotions in a row. But this small change doesn’t interest me; I want 5 million dollars. My phone suddenly lit up; it was Lucy texting me on Messenger. This was her 101st attempt to get me to break up with Hanson. “Nancy Faye! How could you be so blinded by that pretty boy? If you don’t break up with him, we’re finished! Look at you now, drowning in love and forgetting everything we planned. Do you even remember our dream of getting rich?!” In my past life, Lucy’s harsh words were a wake-up call I ignored because of my love for Hanson. This time, when faced with her angry plea, I turned her down not out of love but for the money! “Lucy, I love Hanson. Trust me, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get rich. Pack your things and get your passport ready; I’m taking you flying.” After sending the message, I heard a noise outside the door—Hanson was back. I quickly placed my phone face down, feigning sleep as I heard his footsteps approach. His warmth enveloped me as he slipped into bed, his arms wrapping around my waist with a possessive gentleness. He slept soundly, but I couldn’t sleep out of excitement over the words “Whatever amount she wants.” Finally, the day has come! The chains of endless toil are shattered, and I stand on the precipice of my liberation. 0

I’ve been waiting for this day for what feels like forever. Another month has passed, but in my last life, Hanson had already left by this time. Why is he still here in this one? When I got home from work, I opened the door and was stunned. Flowers, balloons, candles, a feast, and music. Uh… what is this? “Nancy, today is our one-year anniversary.” I looked at Hanson, who was dressed to the nines, and couldn’t figure out what he was up to. Seeing that I wasn’t reacting, Hanson waved his hand in front of my face. “Nancy, Nancy, what are you thinking about?” I cleared my throat, “I was thinking about you, thinking about how much effort my baby put in to surprise me. I’m so touched that I’m about to cry.” Pretending to be overwhelmed with gratitude, I snuggled into his arms and planted a kiss on his chin. Hanson hugged me tightly, rubbing his chin on the top of my head, “It’s all worth it for you.” I pinched the palm of my hand hard, tears welling up in my eyes. I looked up at Hanson through my blurred vision,”Will you ever stop wanting me? After all, I’m just a third-rate student from a third-rate university, toiling away at a third-rate company. ” “Of course not!” Seeing the determination in Hanson’s eyes, I found it both amusing and repulsive. These were the very same words he had used to belittle me before—words that painted me as nothing more than a pathetic afterthought. Now, here he was, parading around with this grand display of affection. How utterly revolting. “Really? You’ll never despise me? Will you marry me? Will we get married?” Hearing my questions, Hanson hesitated for a moment. Ha—gotcha, didn’t I? “Of course we will.” I didn’t expect Hanson to agree. Despite being so disgusted with me, he still wants to put on this charade. It’s a shame he didn’t pursue acting. I lowered my head and pretended to be happy, burying myself in Hanson’s arms. He pushed me away and picked up an exquisite velvet box from the table. Seeing the box, my eyes lit up. This boy knows what’s up. My year of acting with him wasn’t in vain. Judging by the box, the contents must be valuable. “This is for you.” I accepted it happily and opened it, only to find a lousy red string inside. What the hell? Where’s my knife? Is this supposed to be the prince of New York? The heir to the Gabe Corporation? Are you kidding me? If I hadn’t already developed the habit of putting on a fake smile in front of Hanson, I might have slapped him right there. “What is this?” I asked, looking puzzled, carefully picking up the red string and examining it for a while. Hmm… it’s really just a red string. Not even a gold bead, let alone a silver one. “This is a peace charm I got for you at the temple today. Wear it, and it will keep you safe.” I could curse his entire family to hell and back, but I still put on a look of being deeply moved. “Really? I love it. You’re so good to me.” With that, I hooked my arm around Hanson’s neck and gave him a kiss. Hanson immediately deepened the kiss, gently sucking on my lips like he was savoring a piece of jelly. Another sleepless night—my last conscious thought before drifting off was whether this stingy man would still give me that check. 0

The next morning, I was woken up by the sound of people talking. I sat up in bed, rubbing my aching waist. Hanson was already gone. I stood by the window, looking down at a row of Rolls Royces parked outside. Finally! Finally! The day has come! Suddenly, my waist didn’t hurt anymore, my legs weren’t sore, and I could climb five flights of stairs in one go. I didn’t even bother putting on shoes as I dashed downstairs. I saw Hanson, now dressed in a well-fitted black suit, his black-framed glasses replaced with gold-rimmed ones, and a diamond-studded Rolex on his wrist. A crowd had gathered around the entrance, watching the spectacle. Several bodyguards approached Hanson, bowing respectfully. Finally, they’re here. You’re finally here. Tears of excitement welled up in my eyes, but I held them back and pretended to be scared, “Who are you? Where are you taking my boyfriend?” A man dressed as a secretary pulled my arm away from Hanson. “Miss Nancy Faye, please behave yourself. This is Mr. Hanson Gabe, the heir to the Gabe Corporation. To thank you for taking care of Mr. Gabe over the past year, here is a check. You can fill in the amount as a small token of the Gabe Corporation’s gratitude.” This voice—it was the same person I heard talking with Hanson late at night. My lips trembled, and tears streamed down my face. I looked like a pitiful wife being abandoned by her husband. My hand reached out to Hanson again, “Hanson, are you… are you leaving me?”

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I discovered a box of birth control pills in the widow’s room. I swapped them out for regular stomach medicine. The reason was simple: since my mother-in-law was so eager to have a grandchild, why not have one herself? Later, Mrs. Welmann came over to see her and handed her a bank card. “This is your reward for giving our family a child.” I installed a miniature camera in our bedroom. After work, I often found that the neatly made bed had wrinkles, and the alarm clock or glass on the nightstand had subtly shifted. But there were only three people in our house: me, my husband Jeremy Kohn, and my mother-in-law, who had recently moved in. Yet, just two months into our marriage, Jeremy wielded every trick in the book, employing a relentless charm and persuasion to convince me to welcome his mother into our home. He swore, “My mom is just a weak woman; she won’t interfere with our lives.” But on the second morning after she moved in, she knocked on our door at six o’clock. “Fennie, why haven’t you made breakfast yet?” When there was no response, she started pounding on the door. I dragged my tired body to open it. “Mom, don’t we have a maid to make breakfast?” “That’s expensive! It’s just breakfast; why waste money on that?” Her head barely reached my nose, but her presence was overwhelming as she stared me down. Jeremy was still snoring like a log. Knowing he’d worked late the night before, I decided not to wake him. Resigned, I headed to the kitchen, reheated some bread, fried up eggs and ham, and made a sandwich. She pushed the sandwich aside. “Is this all for breakfast? Are you trying to fool me?” “Jeremy and I usually have this for breakfast. What would you like?” “My needs aren’t that high. We must have oatmeal every morning, and it should be varied throughout the week. The sides can be simple, but there should always be fresh pastries and a hot breakfast sandwich. Meat is good, but it shouldn’t be too greasy—just like the ones from that fancy café downtown.” Her saliva sprayed onto my face as she ranted. I wiped my face, grabbed the keys, and went downstairs to buy breakfast for her. She continued, her voice sharp with criticism, “I didn’t ask you to buy it; homemade is always healthier. Who knows what kind of oil or meat they use? And why are you walking away while I’m still talking?” As time passed, her aggression grew more relentless. She chased away the hourly maid, leaving me buried under the mountain of housework. The washing machine was off-limits, as she insisted that hand-washing was the only way to ensure cleanliness. She severed the power to the dishwasher, decrying it as a waste of electricity and water. In the dead of night, she would storm into our room to shut off the air conditioner,, saying she was worried we’d catch a cold… I harbored a growing resentment. It all came to a head when I saw the surveillance video. Two days after installing the camera, I sat down to review the footage after finishing a project at work. With a sense of mounting dread, I fast-forwarded through the recordings of the past few days. What I saw left me stunned and breathless: Mr. Welmann was kissing my mother-in-law as they entered my bedroom. They tumbled onto my bed, entwined in a passionate embrace Mr. Welmann lived next door, and he had a happy family. I would never expect that he would cheat with my mother-in-law? As I watched their entangled bodies on the screen, a wave of nausea surged over me, overwhelming every sense. My stomach churned violently, and I stumbled toward the bathroom, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Their movements were smooth and practiced, a damning testament to the fact that this betrayal was not a fleeting moment but a repeated, calculated affair. Suppressing my trembling hands, I decided to tell Jeremy everything that night and then have a conversation with his mother.

After dinner, I fiddled with a USB drive in my hand. It contained a copy of the video. I was thinking about how to bring it up. Jeremy came out of the bathroom, freshly showered, with only a towel around his waist. He wrapped his damp arms around me, rubbing his stubbly chin against my face. He picked up the USB drive. “What’s on this?” I took a deep breath. “Why don’t you take a look?” Curious, he plugged it into the computer. Just as he was about to open the file, I stopped him because of a sharp pain in my abdomen—the worst pain I had ever felt. My legs started to tremble. I collapsed to the ground, clutching my stomach. He rushed over, trying to soothe my pain. “I can’t… I need to go to the hospital…” He quickly threw on some clothes, scooped me up, and sped off to the hospital. After enduring a grueling blood test and examination, I was left utterly drained, sweat pouring down my forehead as I sat in the sterile, clinical room. My body trembled, a prelude to the fever that soon consumed me. The diagnosis was acute liver damage, cause unknown. I spent the night vomiting and with diarrhea, the fever raging on. I even started talking nonsense, calling out for my parents. Jeremy took care of me the whole night, and I felt slightly better the next day. The doctor suggested that my condition might be due to inappropriate medication. Jeremy and I exchanged puzzled looks. I hadn’t taken any medication recently, and my diet had been quite ordinary. The only difference was the soup my mother-in-law had insisted on making for me that night, saying it was to nourish my body, made especially for me. Under Jeremy’s questioning, my mother-in-law finally admitted that the soup contained medicine she had gotten from a “master”. “What kind of medicine?” “A fertility tonic.” I was utterly spent, both physically and emotionally. From childhood, I had been frail, and the doctor had long advised against pregnancy. My inclination towards a child-free life had always been clear, a choice Jeremy and I had meticulously discussed before our marriage. He had steadfastly supported my decision Driven by a pang of guilt, my family had covered the full cost of our marital home. When the time came for her to move in, I didn’t hesitate. She had previously tried to feed me all manner of bizarre remedies, each one a disturbing echo of her control, but I always managed to find an excuse to refuse them. I had voiced my concerns to Jeremy, only to be met with his dismissive attitude. He brushed it off, attributing it to the quirks of the older generation and urging me not to take it to heart. But now, she had gone too far. If it had been any more serious, I could have accused her of attempted murder!

I spent quite some time recovering in the hospital, and the matter was brushed off. Jeremy sternly warned his mother never to give me any strange substances again. She grudgingly agreed. The day I was discharged, Jeremy came to pick me up. While he was handling the paperwork, I overheard my mother-in-law’s voice around the corner. “Jeremy, I asked the doctor. He said Fennie probably can’t have children.” Jeremy already knew and just brushed it off with a few words. Then, in a hushed tone, my mother-in-law continued, “I’ve found a nice girl for you.” “What are you talking about, Mom?” “I promised not to force any more medicine on Fennie, but you still owe me a grandchild,” she declared with a chilling resolve. “This girl has wide hips and strong bones—she’ll surely bear you a healthy son. And she has feelings for you, as well. If Fennie agrees to raise the child, that’s perfect. If not, well, you can always divorce her!” I felt my illness surging back, the anger within me spinning my world into a dizzying haze. My mother-in-law, already a ruinous force in our lives, was now audaciously trying to push another girl into the role of mistress to her own son. Truly, she was rotten to the core. I forced myself to stand, leaning against the wall, just to hear Jeremy’s response. “I can’t divorce Fennie.” Hearing his words, a flicker of relief washed over me. But then, the cruel twist came: “I need to get more money out of her family first. Once she’s no longer of use, I’ll divorce her. Mom, show me that girl’s picture.” I don’t know how I made it back to the hospital room or how I managed to act normal as we left the hospital and went home. I just felt utterly cold, the flames of revenge consuming me. I shredded the file on the USB drive, walked straight to my mother-in-law’s room, and swapped her birth control pills for regular stomach medicine. The Kohn family, I won’t let you have an easy time. Jeremy had pursued me since our school days, promising, “With you, I’ll never look at another woman.” I thought I had married for love. But now, I realize that if a woman truly believes a man’s sweet talk, there’s nothing more foolish. Just like I once was. Don’t place high expectations on marriage. It’s merely two people coexisting, navigating the mundane struggles of daily life together. If you hold onto the illusion of true love, you’re destined for disappointment. Embrace the truth: view him as just a roommate, and you might find a sliver of solace amidst the harsh reality. But I won’t divorce Jeremy so easily. The real drama is only just beginning.

My mother-in-law’s appetite seemed insatiable, growing more ravenous with each passing day. As she reached for a third serving of mashed potatoes at dinner, Jeremy’s gaze turned sharp. He put down his fork, his voice laced with a hint of irritation. “Mom, why are you eating so much lately?” She set her fork down as well. “What, are you saying your mother eats too much? Are you upset that I’m spending your money?” Jeremy shook his head helplessly. She then turned her gaze toward me, her eyes gleaming with a chilling triumph. “I’m eating more than Fennie, which proves that I’m healthier than she is,” she declared, her voice dripping with disdain. “Her? Hmph, she can’t even give us a grandchild.” I’m not a broodmare, why should I produce offspring? Whenever my mother-in-law targeted me, Jeremy would pretend to be busy and avoid getting involved. In the past, I might have put down my fork and argued with her. But now, I gave her a sheepish smile and admitted my fault. “You’re right, you’re much healthier. You still look like you could have more kids,” I said, forcing a tone of mock humility, the words slipping through my lips with a strained courtesy. Her eyes narrowed, suspicion and confusion mingling in her gaze. “Wait. What are you saying?” “Fennie, how can you speak to our mom like that?” they both erupted in unison, their voices rising in a simultaneous crescendo of outrage. I was laughing on the inside, but on the outside, I showed a terrified expression. Suddenly, my mother-in-law hurled her chair back and bolted for the bathroom. A moment later, the room was pierced by a horrifying retching sound, as if she was expelling her very soul in a fit of violent sickness. I gasped in shock, my heart racing as the unsettling noise echoed through the house. With a voice trembling with concern, I suggested to Jeremy that we take her to the hospital for a thorough checkup. His eyes, wide with alarm, met mine, and he nodded in agreement. The car ride to the hospital was silent. Out of nowhere, I said, “Mom, your symptoms are a bit like pregnancy.” Her face turned ashen, and she coldly snorted. “Mom, there’s an old legend from our hometown,” I began, my voice deliberately calm despite the tension crackling around us. “They say that long ago, a hunter stumbled upon the egg of a serpent god and, in his greed, ate it. In retribution, the serpent god cursed the hunter’s mother. She was doomed to conceive child after child, her body relentlessly bearing the burden until she perished from sheer exhaustion.” Jeremy was driving, glaring at me through the rearview mirror. “Fennie, you have a master’s degree. Why are you spouting such nonsense?” I smoothed my skirt with a practiced grace, forcing a slight smile as I said, “Oh, it’s just an old tale I heard.” My mother-in-law, her face now a mask of unease, leaned back and closed her eyes. I pressed on, my voice cold and deliberate. “They say that ever since, any woman who has an affair in our hometown meets that same fate. My grandmother always said that people from our hometown carry that curse with them wherever they go.” Jeremy’s face darkened with fury, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the steering wheel. I looked at my mother-in-law, noticing her eyelids twitching slightly, and her hands turning pale from tension. Satisfied, I fell silent. We arrived at the hospital without her babbling. My mother-in-law’s anxiety was palpable as we waited for the test results, her hands twisting in her lap and her eyes darting nervously around the waiting room. When her name was finally called, she tried to insist on going in alone, but Jeremy, his expression a mix of disbelief and determination, firmly took the lead.We followed closely behind The doctor adjusted his glasses, his face a mask of clinical detachment. “At her age,” he said, his voice heavy with professional gravity, “pregnancy isn’t recommended.” Jeremy leaned back, a harsh, unsettling laugh erupting from him. “You must be joking,” he said, his voice laced with disbelief. “My mom is fifty, and my dad’s been dead for two years. How can she be pregnant?” “We don’t joke about these things.” “Then you must have the wrong report.” Seeing the seriousness on the doctor’s face, Jeremy stopped laughing. “Whose is it? Whose baby is it?!” Jeremy’s voice reverberated through the sterile hospital hallway. His mother sat on the bench, her shoulders hunched in defeat, her eyes swollen and red from crying. She fumbled with a handkerchief, her stammering words barely coherent. “The… the serpent god’s…” “Serpent god, my foot!!!” Jeremy was livid.

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In the third year of our marriage, Sir Adrian Stone vowed to make amends for our rushed wedding with a grand celebration, one that would rival the most opulent of affairs. Yet, on that fateful day, as we prepared for the festivities, a congratulatory letter arrived from Seraphina Dewhurst, Stonehaven’s most illustrious dancer. My husband, ever unyielding, declared with icy resolve, “In my heart, there is room for only one woman, my lady.” But when Seraphina, driven to the edge by despair, threatened to end her life beneath the falling snow, he dashed to her side with an urgency I had never seen. “My lady,” he pleaded, “I cannot abandon her.” As the news of our resplendent re-marriage swept through the town, I witnessed something that defied his usual composure. For the first time, the stoic general’s eyes, so often hardened by duty, were rimmed with red, and in that moment, I saw the cracks in the stone facade of his heart. Sir Adrian Stone, the renowned young general of Stonehaven, and I shared a bond that seemed forged in perfect harmony. Our first wedding, a hurried affair, had been overshadowed by his pressing military duties. But on the third anniversary of our union, he vowed to make amends. “Elara,” he declared with solemn sincerity, “I vow never to fail you in this life, and I wish to declare our love to the world.” The grand celebration was a spectacle of opulence and devotion, and whispers of our perfect match filled the air. It was known far and wide that despite the years we had spent together, Adrian had never sought another wife or mistress. The world looked on, admiring our unblemished love, and I felt as if we were the epitome of a fairy-tale romance. Yet beneath the glittering façade of our perfect union, shadows lurked—secrets that would soon unravel in the most unexpected ways. A few days before our grand celebration, I visited the doctor in secret and learned I was three months pregnant. I planned to reveal this joyous surprise to Adrian during the wedding banquet. On the day of the event, with thousands of doves soaring into the sky and a hall brimming with distinguished guests, Adrian approached me in his deep red ceremonial robe. Each step he took was deliberate, his hand outstretched towards me, his smile radiant. “Today, before all these esteemed guests,” he declared, his voice rich with emotion, “I pledge eternal devotion to my wife, Lady Elara Stonemore… From this day forth, I shall never forsake you.” The banquet, a spectacle of grandeur, was meticulously orchestrated to bolster his career and prestige. Every detail was prearranged, every moment calculated. As I stood by his side, poised and serene, my heart swelled with anticipation. The world watched as Adrian made his vows, oblivious to the secret that would transform our lives forever. After the ceremony, as we settled into our seats, I adopted a serious expression, the weight of my secret heavy on my shoulders. “Honey, there’s something I need to tell you,” I said, my voice steady but my heart racing. Adrian’s demeanor shifted instantly. He straightened, his eyes locking onto mine with a gravity that was both earnest and endearing. “What is it, sweetheart?” he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. The sincerity in his gaze, the way he leaned in as if bracing for a revelation, struck a chord deep within me. Despite the moment’s gravity, I couldn’t hold it any longer. The tension dissolved into an unexpected burst of laughter. At that precise moment, the stage curtains parted with a dramatic sweep, unveiling a dancer in an aquamarine gown, her face partially concealed by a delicate veil. Her eyes, glinting like stars through a cascade of pearls, held an enchanting allure that captivated the entire room. As she began to dance, her movements were a mesmerizing blend of fluid grace and hypnotic rhythm. The gown flowed like water with each step, harmonizing perfectly with the music’s ethereal strains. The room seemed to hold its breath, all eyes drawn to the dancer’s spellbinding performance. But it was Adrian’s reaction that drew my attention most. His face, previously animated with joy, now reflected a deeper, more profound shift. His gaze was locked on the dancer with a piercing intensity, unblinking, as if drawn into a trance by her every movement. After the dancer’s performance, she cast a lingering, enigmatic glance over her shoulder before slipping gracefully backstage. Adrian and I followed, our footsteps echoing in the grand hallway. Adrian’s face was taut with a mix of tension and resolve. His eyes, usually so steady, were stormy, and his lips were pressed into a thin, hard line. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, his voice slicing through the silence with an edge of barely contained fury. To my astonishment, the dancer knelt down with a fluid grace that seemed to echo the haunting elegance of her earlier performance. Her eyes, now filled with a deep, melancholy plea, looked up at Adrian as she extended a letter towards him. Her gaze was as tender and vulnerable as a doe’s, a stark contrast to the tension that crackled in the air. “After all these years,” she said, her voice trembling with a fragile emotion, “I wished to deliver this letter to you in person, General, to find peace in my heart.” The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of past secrets and unresolved emotions “You know her?” I asked, my voice laced with bewilderment. Adrian’s explanation came swiftly, almost too swiftly. “Her name is Seraphina Dewhurst. I knew her back when I was still a nobody. She’s now the most celebrated courtesan at Moonrise Manor in the capital.” As Seraphina’s quivering voice broke the silence, she continued, “I heard about your wedding and signed up to perform just so I could witness the love you share with Lady Elara.” Her gaze flickered towards me, and in that fleeting moment, I saw a storm of emotions in her eyes—envy, resentment, and a deep, inscrutable longing. Before I could even process the revelation, Adrian’s frustration erupted. His voice, usually so measured, cut through the air with a sharp edge. “Miss,” he snapped, his eyes blazing with exasperation, “we were nothing more than passing acquaintances. The world is vast—there’s no reason for you to cling to me any longer.” Seraphina’s shoulders slumped under the weight of Adrian’s rejection, and in an instant, the facade of composed elegance shattered. Tears streamed down her face, her sobs escaping in ragged, heart-wrenching bursts. “I have no one else, General,” she cried out, her voice breaking with raw desperation. “I just want to stay by your side. I’d gladly marry you, even as a lowly concubine with no title. My fears, now crystal clear, sent a wave of dizziness crashing over me. I clutched my maid’s hand tightly, seeking any semblance of support to steady myself. Yet, Adrian, so often astute and aware, seemed blind to my turmoil. His gaze remained steadfastly fixed on Seraphina, his voice an unsettling calm as he addressed her. “Seraphina,” he said, his tone steady but cold, “don’t degrade yourself. There’s no need to sacrifice your dignity for me.” 2. He called her Seraphina with such ease, unaware of the intimacy with which she had once addressed him. “I have a wife now,” Adrian said firmly, “and I’ve promised her a lifetime of love. She is my wife, and I have no intention of marrying anyone else.” Adrian’s words were resolute as he waved a servant over to escort her out. After dealing with the situation, he took my hand, meeting my puzzled gaze. “Just an old acquaintance. She won’t trouble us again.” As I looked at him, unyielding and formidable as ever, a tremor of doubt seized me for the first time. His sharp features, those hawk-like eyes, and the faint scars etched into his cheeks spoke of legendary heroism. But as my gaze traced the contours of his strong hands, a question gnawed at my heart—how many hearts had those very hands ensnared with their touch? How many whispered promises had they crafted in the dark? When I first encountered him, my father was the esteemed master horse trainer of the Royal Stables, and I was renowned as the most skilled horsewoman in all of Stonehaven. My days were spent assisting my father, immersed in the world of powerful steeds and intricate reins. At that time, Adrian had just claimed his first military victory, and the King had bestowed upon him a fiery red stallion—wild, unruly, and impossible to tame. I took it upon myself to subdue the beast, and with a deft touch and unyielding resolve, I led the stallion to Adrian personally. The moment he laid eyes on me, something shifted in the air. His gaze, intense and captivated, locked onto me with a fervor that spoke of destiny. His pursuit was relentless, each gesture a testament to his burgeoning passion. And I, caught in the tempest of his ambition and charm, found myself irresistibly drawn to the young, handsome general. Our connection was ignited in that single, fateful moment. He treated me with the utmost care, and our love quickly became the talk of Stonehaven. Rumors spread that “if one must marry, let it be Sir Adrian Stone, and if one must be a wife, let it be like Lady Elara.” My thoughts jolted back to the present, and I stared at him, his face frozen in time as if no years had passed. I lowered my gaze, my voice trembling with barely contained emotion. “That woman’s feelings for you,” I said, each word heavy with tension, “are so profound and genuine that it’s nearly unimaginable she was only a passing acquaintance.” With a resigned breath, he revealed the truth. Years ago, during a perilous mission, he had saved Seraphina from a band of ruthless bandits and brought her into his camp as a servant. Only later did he learn she was a courtesan. In a moment of raw vulnerability, Seraphina had confessed her feelings to him, begging him not to send her back to her old life. But he had turned her away. “I was the one who sent her back,” he murmured, his voice heavy with regret. “How could I possibly have any feelings for her?” He reached out, his touch tentative yet full of longing, drawing me into his embrace. “I’ve tarnished our day with shadows of doubt,” he said, his voice breaking with sincerity. “I’ll make it up to you on your birthday. I swear, I will be with you through every cherished moment, through every joy and sorrow. We will grow old together, bound by the promises we’ve made and the love we share.” But my heart was weighed down by conflicting emotions, and the surprise I had planned for Adrian remained unsaid. On the night of the winter festival, I was out on High Street, handing out food to the poor as snow began to fall gently from the sky. Adrian stayed indoors, engrossed in military matters and not joining me. Sensitive to the cold, I couldn’t help but cough. “My lady,” my maid Liana urged, wrapping my cloak tighter around me, “we should go inside. You’re not strong enough to withstand this weather.” “No need,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, as I glanced back. There, amidst the falling snow, was a woman covered in wounds, kneeling in the frozen silence. It was Seraphina Dewhurst, the same woman who had shattered our wedding banquet with her presence. She knelt before our gate, her expression a haunting tableau of despair. Then, in a sudden and chilling motion, she drew a dagger from her cloak and slashed her wrist, the crimson blood mingling with the snow in a macabre dance. The blood seeping into the snow was a stark contrast against the white, making her frail figure appear even more pitiful. Before long, Adrian burst through the door like an arrow from a bow, rushing to her side. He scooped her up in his arms, and she lay weakly against him, her breath faint and labored. “Without your love, I have no reason to live,” she whispered, her voice quivering with a desperate finality. “I don’t want to burden you any further, General, so…” Her words faltered, and her eyes closed as she fainted, collapsing limp in his arms. He carried her swiftly back to the manor, his stride resolute as he summoned the physician to tend to her wounds. Outside, the snow fell heavily, cloaking the world in a blanket of cold silence. Inside, however, the fire roared with the warmth of a spring day, its glow casting a stark contrast against the frigid night. Seraphina eventually stirred, her eyes fluttering open to find herself cradled gently in Adrian’s arms. The light from the snow outside cast an ethereal glow upon her, accentuating her beauty in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. When our eyes met, her gaze was sharp and mocking. “The General may be able to leave without a care, but what about me?” she asked, her voice trembling as she struggled to lift her head. Tears welled up in her eyes as she swiftly removed her clothing, revealing her pale shoulder. There, etched into her skin, was a tattoo of the name “Adrian,” stark and undeniable. “In the past,” she said, her voice choked with emotion, “you pitied me for my tragic fate and personally marked me with your name, promising me a lifetime of protection. Do you still remember that promise, General?” Adrian’s composure shattered as he pulled her head against his chest, his voice trembling with raw desperation. “Why are you doing this to me, Seraphina?” he asked, his words laced with anguish. “Do you have any idea how deeply you wound my heart?” Soon, the physician arrived and assessed the situation, revealing a devastating truth. Seraphina’s body, ravaged by the harsh winter chill, had been rendered incapable of bearing children. The physician’s grim report unveiled that, in a desperate bid to captivate Adrian with her dance, she had ingested a perilous potion. This potion, while bestowing upon her the ethereal grace of a swan and an almost otherworldly beauty, had a devastating price: the musk it contained had sacrificed her ability to conceive. Barely able to speak, Seraphina gasped, “Though I lived among courtesans, my heart has always been yours, General. I could never give myself to anyone else. When my madam forced me to take another client, I ran, preferring to die at your doorstep rather than surrender my loyalty to you. My love for you was my only refuge.” “Seraphina, that’s enough,” Adrian said, his voice cracking as he turned his head away. The redness at the corners of his eyes betrayed the storm of emotions he struggled to contain. As expected, he pulled me outside, into the fury of the howling wind and swirling snow. In our three years of marriage, we had never stood in such profound silence. Finally, he shattered the stillness with a voice fraught with tension. “Elara,” he said, his words trembling with the weight of his struggle, “this is a grave matter. I can’t simply turn my back on her.” I forced a smile, but it barely touched my lips. “It seems the entire realm has witnessed this betrayal,” I said, my voice trembling with barely restrained fury. “The very General who swore, in front of our closest kin, never to abandon me—only days ago at our wedding feast—has now brought a courtesan into our home and branded her with his own name. Is it your wish to make me the jest of Stonehaven, reduced to a mere spectacle of mockery?” “If you cannot uphold your vows, then let us dissolve this marriage and part ways.” I spun on my heel, but Adrian’s grip tightened on my sleeve. The man who stood unwavering before the King now faltered, his voice cracking with desperation. “Elara, you must believe me. I took her in only out of compassion. My heart—my heart belongs solely to you.” I interrupted him with cold finality. “How many women have you uttered these words to?” His frustration boiled over, and his voice rose with fury. “Elara Stonemore, there is no divorce between us—only death can sever our bond. It seems I have indulged you too much, making you forget that a wife is bound to obey her husband!” With that, he stormed back inside, his conviction unwavering that I would never leave him—that I would, in time, acquiesce as other women had, and share him with another. A profound sadness enveloped me. How much simpler it would have been had I never loved Adrian, never cherished those fleeting moments of romance. The sting of his betrayal dissipated like a snowflake melting on my fingertip, leaving only the cold, empty void of what might have been. With steely resolve, I made my decision and called for my maid, Liana. “Bring me two things,” I instructed, my voice steady but laced with unspoken resolve. “First, a potion to end this pregnancy. And second, a concoction to ensure Adrian can father no more children.” Adrian relegated Seraphina to the west wing, bestowing upon her no title but assigning two maids to attend her every need, thus elevating her presence within the manor to one of startling prominence. Meanwhile, I retreated into seclusion, meticulously enacting my plan as the unmistakable signs of my pregnancy grew more conspicuous. One day, as I lingered in the garden, lost in the vibrant beauty of the flowers, an unexpected figure emerged from the shadows. She was a vision of poise and vitality, her radiant complexion glowing under the sun. With a chilling smile, she approached and said, “Sister, how have you relished these past three years, hoarding my husband for yourself?” I had no wish to engage with her, but Seraphina sighed, her demeanor as serene as a drifting breeze. She took a few deliberate steps back, each movement as light and deliberate as a whisper. “But now that I’ve returned,” she said with an almost ethereal calm, “isn’t it time for you to step aside?” Before I could respond, she turned on her heel, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Moments later, the sharp sound of shattering ice echoed through the garden as the pond’s surface gave way beneath her. Seraphina’s screams pierced the air as she floundered in the freezing water. She accused me of pushing her—a ludicrous, transparent scheme that once would have made me scoff at its sheer amateurishness. But Adrian, blinded by his guilt and her theatrics, believed her without hesitation. When he stormed in, fury crackling in his eyes, I remained unnervingly calm. “I didn’t do it,” I said, my voice steady as a stone. His fists, once clenched with the intent to shatter, slowly relaxed. He frowned, the anger in his gaze flickering before finally dimming. “Very well,” he murmured, almost to himself. “I believe you.” But before the fragile truce between us could settle, a servant burst through the door, breathless and frantic. “General! Lady Seraphina has been struck by a sudden fever—she’s unconscious!” Without a word, his eyes widened in alarm, and he spun on his heel, racing to her side. He never looked back, and once again, I was left in the shadows of his unyielding devotion, abandoned and forgotten. 4. That night, the snow on the roof began to melt, the dripping water a mournful rhythm in the silence. The intricately carved bed Adrian had commissioned for me sat cold and unused in the west wing, its wood groaning and creaking as if echoing the weight of unspoken sorrow. I lay awake, my hand resting on my still-flat abdomen, feeling the two heartbeats flutter within me. What had once been the promise of a life I yearned for had transformed into a silent burden, a grief that grew with every pulse. Each beat was a reminder of the love that had withered, leaving me to cradle the remnants of a future that no longer felt like my own. Moonrise Manor, which should have been shrouded in darkness after curfew, defiantly kept its lights burning through the night. The windows glowed like haunting beacons, casting eerie shadows across the grounds. I, sleepless and restless, stood at a distance, my eyes fixed on that solitary blaze. It was as if I were staring into the last flicker of light in a vast, unforgiving abyss—one final, desperate spark before the encroaching darkness swallowed it whole. The next morning, Adrian was summoned to the King. Word quickly spread that he had left the palace with a spring in his step, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. The news cut through the morning air like a bitter wind, chilling me to the bone. I knelt before the altar in the courtyard, my lips moving in silent prayers, seeking solace in the whispered words.Then, amidst the stillness, I heard footsteps approaching, slow and deliberate, echoing like a distant thunderclap. My pulse quickened, each beat heavy with dread. I looked up at the idol towering above, my chants steady and unwavering, as if each word could shield me from the venom in her voice. I tried to drown her out, focusing on the ancient prayers that had always brought me peace. But Seraphina wasn’t one to be ignored. She leaned in, her breath hot against my ear, her words a blade meant to cut deep. “The General was so strong in bed last night, so thoughtful,” she whispered, her voice dripping with malice. “He told me to be patient, and I couldn’t have been more satisfied.” I sneered, “He once scorned you as a mere courtesan. Now that you’re back in his favor, you cling to the illusion that your beauty is eternal and his love unshakeable?” Seraphina’s smile was a whisper of enigma. “Sister, your virtue blinds you. Haven’t you learned? It’s not mere beauty that engraves a memory, but the shadows we cast in the depths of his desires.” I sneered, “He once despised you for being a courtesan. Now, with your beauty restored and his favor regained, you’re so sure that your allure will never falter and his love will never fade?” Seraphina’s smile was a cryptic curl of her lips. “Sister, your virtue is admirable, but naive. What makes a man remember isn’t simply the surface of beauty, but the depths of desire that linger long after the visage has dimmed.” I recalled the potion she had used and an unsettling clarity washed over me. She was now an enchantress in her own right, her voice a melody laced with honey. No wonder even the most astute men fell prey to the spell of such breathtaking beauty. Adrian never graced my room again, his absence a chilling testament to rejection. Whispers reached me of his ascendancy; his command of the Royal Guard had earned him unprecedented favor. For his valor in battle, the King had granted him any reward he desired. Adrian approached the throne and, with a demeanor both resolute and humble, he rejected land and gold. Instead, he knelt and made a singular request to take Seraphina as his second formal wife. The entire city was enraptured by Adrian’s profound display of love and loyalty, marveling at his ability to harmonize his affections between his new love and longstanding duties. With a flourish befitting the grandeur of his promises, Adrian vowed to bestow upon Seraphina the most opulent wedding the city had ever witnessed. On that fateful day, with falcons soaring as messengers and blossoms scattered like silent witnesses, a resplendent carriage wound its way through the infamous Red Lantern Alley—a place where a young general’s marriage to a courtesan was an unprecedented spectacle. Disguised, I melded with the shadows of the alley, my gaze as icy as the winter wind, dissecting every moment of the unfolding drama. Adrian arrived astride a horse of unparalleled magnificence, his presence commanding as he thundered down the alley. The street was awash with the glint of a thousand silver coins, which he brandished with an air of disdainful arrogance.His demand was as audacious as it was clear: he sought to purchase Seraphina’s freedom, This was his entire savings from two years of military service and rewards, plus a substantial loan. Yet, despite his apparent triumph, the master’s demeanor was chillingly indifferent to the money. He watched with a cold, detached air as his men counted the coins, scarcely bothering to acknowledge their labor. With a scornful sneer, he declared, “You’re merely fortunate to have reclaimed the beauty.” In a gesture of haughty contempt, he crumpled the contract and hurled it over the high balcony, letting it cascade into the abyss below. The finality in his voice cut through the air like a blade: “Take her away.” “The General has declared that we are meant to be together for life. You may remain in the manor, but don’t harbor any illusions. You and the General are as good as divorced.” Facing her provocation, I offered a faint, enigmatic smile. “So be it. I can only hope he truly cherishes you.” Seraphina, eager to underscore her triumph, retorted with a haughty gleam in her eye, “He sacrificed all his military honors just to make me his equal wife. If that isn’t the very essence of true love, then what is?” I remained silent, my gaze unwavering as I pointed to the wooden box resting on the ground, filled with the hairpins and jade ornaments Adrian had gifted me. “Please, return these to him.” I lowered my gaze, a hint of melancholy in my voice. “It’s a pity, though, that the kites he crafted for me, the summer fireflies he once placed in my hands, and the hurried love letters from the battlefield… those are treasures that can never be reclaimed.” In days gone by, Adrian would rise before dawn to train, unfazed by the harshest weather. I would silently accompany him, offering a towel when his grueling session ended. I knew he was the kingdom’s backbone, the stalwart guardian of the realm. But now, he was consumed by Seraphina’s presence day and night, resorting to potions to sustain his vigor. It was as though the very essence of life had been siphoned from him; dark circles etched deep beneath his eyes, a haunting reminder of his age, despite his youth As my morning sickness intensified, I instructed Liana to procure a potion to end the pregnancy and arrange for a medical retreat. During this time, I had been surreptitiously poisoning Adrian’s food with a concoction designed to render him infertile, ensuring he could no longer father children. The moment had come to conclude this chapter. That day, while Adrian and Seraphina were enshrouded in their daytime indulgences, I took the divorce papers I had meticulously prepared. I stamped them with Adrian’s seal in his study, a final act of ruthless precision. With a steely resolve, I departed, leaving the documents behind like a cold declaration of finality. As I reached the door, a sudden, excruciating pain gripped my abdomen, and I felt warm, sticky blood flowing down. I was struck by a sudden realization—how could this be? I hadn’t taken the potion yet. Who had poisoned me? Adrian burst through the door, his face a mask of panic as he saw me sprawled on the floor, drenched in a pool of my own blood. “Elara, what’s happening?” he cried out, desperation tinged in his voice. But before he could reach me, a brutal kick sent him crashing to the ground, his body convulsing as he coughed up blood. The impact was jarring, and the scene blurred with the sharp sting of pain. As I lay curled on the cold floor, tears streamed down my face, mingling with the blood, my vision darkening with the weight of anguish A cold drop fell onto my eyelid, but it was not my own. “Don’t be afraid,” a voice murmured gently. “I’ll take you away.” Warm arms enveloped me, the heat of his body radiating intensely, nearly stealing my breath away. For a fleeting moment, my vision cleared enough to catch the face of the man holding me. It was the enigmatic master from Moonrise Manor, the very one I had glimpsed that fateful day. .6 This time, however, there was no trace of those vibrant or the seductive allure. His appearance had changed, now possessing a more masculine edge, though I recognized him instantly from the clarity in his eyes. He held me firmly as he stood, his gaze sharp as he glanced back at the man behind us. “Where are you taking Elara? Put her down! She is the lady of this house and must stay here to recover. She cannot go anywhere!” Adrian’s frantic shouts echoed behind us as he clung desperately to the man’s leg. But the master swiftly kicked him aside. Adrian, weakened by his excessive indulgence, struggled to stand, his face twisted in fury, yet unable to do anything.

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Endless Revenge for Love In the third year of our marriage, Sir Adrian Stone promised me a grand wedding to make up for the hurried one we initially had. However, on that very day, we received a congratulatory letter from Seraphina Dewhurst, the most celebrated dancer in Stonehaven. My husband, cold as stone, remarked, “In my heart, there is room for only one woman, my lady.” Yet, when that woman threatened to end her life by cutting her wrists in the snow, he rushed out to cradle her in his arms. He said, “My lady, I cannot abandon her.” Later, when news of my elaborate re-marriage spread, the usually stoic general’s eyes reddened for the first time. My husband, Sir Adrian Stone, was the famed young general of Stonehaven, and we shared a harmonious bond. Our initial wedding was rushed, interrupted by urgent military duties. In the third year of our marriage, he suddenly decided to make up for it with a grand celebration. “Elara, I vow never to fail you in this life, and I wish to declare our love to the world.” Everyone spoke of how perfect our match was, and it was widely known that, despite our years together, Adrian had never taken another wife or mistress. A few days before the wedding, I secretly saw the doctor and found out I was three months pregnant. I planned to surprise Adrian with the news during the wedding banquet. That day, with thousands of doves released into the sky and the hall filled with distinguished guests, Adrian, dressed in a deep red ceremonial robe, walked slowly towards me, his hand reaching out as he smiled warmly. “Today, before all these esteemed guests, I pledge eternal devotion to my wife, Lady Elara Stonemore… From this day forth, I shall never forsake you.” The banquet was a carefully orchestrated affair, aimed at furthering his career and prestige. Since it was all prearranged, I remained calm, playing my part. After the ceremony, as we sat down, I put on a serious face. “Honey, there’s something I need to tell you,” I said. He immediately straightened up, his expression turning serious as he leaned in. “What is it, sweetheart?” His genuine concern was so endearing that I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. At that moment, the stage curtains suddenly opened, revealing a dancer in an aquamarine gown with a veil covering half her face. Her eyes, framed by a cascade of pearls, sparkled with a captivating allure. She danced gracefully, her flowing dress moving in sync with the music, her movements fluid and smooth. I noticed Adrian’s expression shift from surprise to something deeper, his gaze locked on the dancer, unblinking. After the performance, the dancer cast a lingering glance back at the audience before retreating backstage. Adrian and I followed her. His face was tense, his lips pressed into a thin line. “What are you doing here?” he demanded. To my surprise, the woman knelt down gracefully, presenting Adrian with a letter, her gaze as pitiful as a doe’s. “After all these years, I wished to deliver this letter to you in person, General, to find peace in my heart.” “You know her?” I asked in confusion. Adrian quickly explained that her name was Seraphina Dewhurst, a woman he had known back when he was still a nobody. Now, she was the most famous courtesan of Moonrise Manor in the capital. Her voice quivered , I heard about your wedding and signed up to perform just so I could see the love you share with Lady Elara.” She glanced at me, and in that brief moment, I saw something in her eyes—envy, resentment… and something else I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Before I could even wrap my head around it, Adrian, clearly exasperated, snapped, “Miss, we were nothing more than passing acquaintances. The world is big—there’s no reason for you to cling to me any longer.” The woman’s shoulders sagged, and she suddenly burst into tears. “I have no one else, General. I just want to stay by your side. I’d gladly marry you, even as a lowly concubine with no title.” My fears were confirmed. A wave of dizziness hit me, and I instinctively grabbed my maid’s hand for support. But Adrian, usually so perceptive, didn’t notice my distress. His gaze stayed locked on the woman as he said calmly, “Seraphina, don’t degrade yourself. There’s no need to sacrifice your dignity for me.”

He called her Seraphina with such ease, unaware of the intimacy with which she had once addressed him. “I have a wife now,” Adrian said firmly, “and I’ve promised her a lifetime of love. She is my wife, and I have no intention of marrying anyone else.” Adrian’s words were resolute as he waved a servant over to escort her out. After dealing with the situation, he took my hand, meeting my puzzled gaze. “Just an old acquaintance. She won’t trouble us again.” As I gazed at him, unwavering and formidable as always, a tremor of doubt seized me for the first time. His sharp features, those predatory eyes, and the faint scars etched into his cheeks spoke of a storied heroism. But as I traced the lines of his strong hands, I wondered—how many hearts had those very hands ensnared with their touch? How many whispered promises had they forged in shadows, only to leave a trail of broken dreams in their wake? When I first met him, my father was the master horse trainer in the Royal Stables, and I was the most skilled horsewoman in all of Stonehaven. I often helped my father with his work. Back then, Adrian had just achieved his first military victory, and the King had gifted him a fiery red stallion. The horse was wild and unmanageable, yet I tamed it and personally led it to Adrian. He fell for me at first sight and pursued me relentlessly, and I, too, found myself drawn to the young, handsome general. He treated me with utmost care, and our love became the talk of Stonehaven. Rumors spread that “if one must marry, let it be to Sir Adrian Stone, and if one must be a wife, let it be like Lady Elara.” My thoughts snapped back to the present, and I found myself gazing at him, his face eerily unchanged from three years ago. I lowered my eyes, struggling to steady my voice. “That woman’s feelings for you,” I said, my tone laced with tension, “seem so deep and sincere. It’s almost impossible to believe she was merely a passing acquaintance.” Adrian sighed heavily. “Elara, do you doubt me? I swear there’s nothing between us beyond what I’ve told you.” He then confessed the truth: years ago, while on a mission, he had rescued Seraphina from bandits and taken her into the camp as a servant. It was only later that he discovered she was a courtesan. Seraphina had once confessed her feelings to him, pleading not to be sent back, but he had refused her. “I was the one who sent her back,” he said softly. “How could I possibly have any feelings for her?” He reached out tentatively, drawing me into his embrace. “I’ve spoiled your mood today. I’ll make it up to you on your birthday. I promise to be with you, sharing all the important moments of our lives, growing old together.” But my heart was heavy with conflicting emotions, and the surprise I had planned for him remained unspoken. On the night of the winter festival, I was on High Street distributing food to the poor when snow began to fall gently from the sky. Adrian was inside studying military matters and did not join me. I, sensitive to the cold, couldn’t help but cough. “My lady, we should return inside. You’re not strong enough to endure this weather,” my maid Liana urged, wrapping my cloak more tightly around me. “No need,” I replied, glancing back only to see a woman covered in wounds, kneeling in the snow. It was Seraphina Dewhurst, the same woman who had disrupted our wedding banquet. She knelt silently before our gate, and then, without warning, she drew a dagger and slashed her wrist. The blood that seeped into the snow was stark against the white, making her frail figure appear even more pitiful. Before long, I saw Adrian rush out like an arrow from a bow, scooping her up in his arms. She lay weakly against him, her breath faint. “Without your love, I have no reason to live. I don’t want to trouble you any further, General, so…” Her voice trailed off, and she fainted in his arms. 3 He carried the woman straight back to the manor and immediately summoned the physician to treat her wounds. The snow outside was heavy, but the fire within burned as warmly as a spring day, creating a stark contrast to the world beyond. Seraphina finally awoke, lying softly in my husband’s arms, her beauty enhanced by the light reflecting off the snow outside. When our eyes met, hers were sharp and mocking. “The General may be able to leave without a care, but what shall do?” she asked, struggling to lift her head. Then, her eyes filled with tears as she quickly removed her clothing, exposing her pale shoulder where a tattoo was clearly visible—it was the name “Adrian.” “In the past, you pitied me for my tragic fate and personally marked me with your name, promising me a lifetime of protection. Do you still remember that promise, General?” Adrian finally lost his composure, pressing her head against his chest, his voice trembling. “Why are you doing this to me, Seraphina? Do you know how much you make my heart ache?” Soon, the physician arrived and found that Seraphina’s body had been weakened by the harsh winter chill, making her incapable of bearing children. It turned out that, to perform that dance for Adrian, she had taken a dangerous potion. This potion gave her the grace of a swan and a snow-like beauty, but the musk it contained had come at the cost of her reproductive function. Barely able to speak, Seraphina rasped, “Though I was surrounded by courtesans, my heart has always been yours, General. I could never belong to another. When my madam compelled me to take another client, I fled, choosing to die at your doorstep rather than betray my devotion to you.” “Seraphina, enough,” Adrian said, turning his head away, though the redness at the corners of his eyes was unmistakable. As expected, he pulled me outside, where the wind and snow howled around us. In our three years of marriage, we had never faced each other in silence like this. Finally, he broke the stillness with a strained voice. “Elara, this is a serious matter. I can’t just turn my back on her.” “Adrian, we should part ways,” I said calmly. “That’s impossible,” he interrupted me quickly. I smiled faintly, “It was know to all—the same General who vowed never to forsake me at our wedding banquet just days ago has brought a courtesan into our home and marked her with his own name. Do you want me to be the laughingstock of all of Stonehaven?” “If you can’t keep your promises, then let’s end this marriage and go our separate ways.” I turned to leave, but Adrian’s hand clamped down on my sleeve. The man who had never faltered in the presence of the King now stumbled over his words. “Elara, please, believe me. I only took her in out of pity. My heart—my heart is only for you.” I cut him off sharply, “How many women have you said these words to?” Seeing that I remained unmoved, he grew angry. “Elara Stonemore, there is no divorce between us, only death can part us. It seems I’ve spoiled you too much, making you forget that a wife must obey her husband!” With that, he stormed back inside, convinced I would never leave him, convinced I would eventually accept this, as other women did, and share him with another. Suddenly, I felt a deep sadness. How much better it would be if I had never loved Adrian, never cherished those moments of romance. The bitterness of his betrayal melted away like a snowflake on my fingertip. I calmly made a decision and instructed my maid, Liana, to procure two items for me: one, a potion to terminate the pregnancy, and the other, a concoction to ensure Adrian would never father a child again. Adrian placed Seraphina in the west wing, granting her no title but assigning two maids to attend to her, making her an exceptional presence in the manor. Meanwhile, I remained secluded, quietly executing my plan as the signs of my pregnancy became more apparent. One day, as I was admiring the flowers in the garden, someone I thought I’d never interact with again approached me. She looked well-cared for, her complexion radiant as she smiled and said, “Sister, how have you enjoyed these past three years, keeping my husband to yourself?” I didn’t want to engage with her, but Seraphina sighed and stepped back a few paces, her delicate steps as light as a whisper. “But now I’ve returned, so isn’t it time for you to step aside?” Before I could respond, she turned on her heel, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Moments later, the sharp sound of shattering ice echoed through the garden as the pond’s surface gave way beneath her. Seraphina’s screams pierced the air as she floundered in the freezing water. She accused me of pushing her—a ludicrous, transparent scheme that once would have made me scoff at its sheer amateurishness. But Adrian, blinded by his guilt and her theatrics, believed her without hesitation. When he came to confront me, I remained calm and said, “I didn’t do it.” He frowned, finally relaxing his clenched fists. “Very well, I believe you.” Just then, a servant rushed in. “General, Lady Seraphina has taken a sudden fever and is now unconscious!” Once again, he left me to rush to her side and never returned. 4 That night, the snow on the roof melted, and the intricately carved bed Adrian had ordered for me sat unused in the west wing, creaking throughout the night. I touched my still-flat abdomen, feeling the two heartbeats within me. What had once been a life I longed for now felt like a burden of grief. The Moonrise Manor, which should have been closed and dark after the curfew, unexpectedly kept its lights on all night. I, unable to sleep, stared at it from afar, as if looking at the last flicker of light in a deep abyss. The next morning, Adrian was summoned to the King, and I heard he left with a spring in his step, looking pleased with himself. I knelt before the altar in the courtyard, reciting prayers, when I heard footsteps approaching. Seraphina came up beside me but did not kneel. “Are you praying for the General’s favor, sister?” I looked up at the idol above and kept chanting, ignoring her completely. But she wasn’t about to let it go. Leaning in close to my ear, she whispered, “The General was so strong in bed last night, and so considerate. He told me to be patient, and I couldn’t have been more satisfied.” I sneered, “He once despised you for being a courtesan, yet now that you’re back in his favor, you’re so certain your beauty will never fade, and his love will never wane?” Seraphina smiled mysteriously. “Sister, you are truly virtuous, but don’t you know? What makes a man remember isn’t just beauty.” I thought of the potion she had used and suddenly understood. Indeed, she was now truly captivating, her voice dripping with honey. No wonder even the most clever men couldn’t resist the allure of a beautiful woman. Adrian never came to my room again, his absence a cold and silent rejection. I heard that his management of the Royal Guard had earned him favor, and for his previous military achievements, the King had offered him any reward he desired. He knelt before the throne and refused land or gold, asking only to make Seraphina his second formal wife. The whole city marveled at his deep love and loyalty, admiring how he balanced his affections between his new love and old commitments. He declared his intent to give Seraphina the grandest wedding the city had ever seen. 5 On that day, with falcons as messengers and blossoms as witnesses, a luxious carriage made its way into the notorious Red Lantern Alley, where a young general was to marry a courtesan—an event rarely seen. Disguised, I slipped into the alley, coldly observing the spectacle. Adrian rode a magnificent horse straight to the Moonrise Manor, brandishing a thousand silver coins, arrogantly demanding to buy her freedom. “I demand to see the master of this manor. This should be more than enough to buy Seraphina’s freedom.” “How could that be enough?” A clear male magnetic voice drifted down from the upper floor. Pale fingers parted the curtain, revealing a face of unparalleled beauty. It was my first time seeing the master of Moonrise Manor. His jet-black hair and crimson lips, with long eyes drooping slightly with a trace of red at the corners, held an air of both elegance and nonchalance. As he moved, dressed in white robes, I realized that true beauty transcends gender. The handsome boss tapped his fan lightly against his chin, his eyes curving into a smile. “Seraphina is the most enchanting of all the girls at Moonrise Manor. The line of men wanting to be with her could stretch to the neighboring kingdoms. How could mere silver buy her freedom?” Adrian’s smile faltered, his face stiffening. “Then how much do you want?” The beauty unfolded his fan with a lazy smile. “I’ve heard that General Adrian turned down the King’s reward of gold and land to marry this woman as your second wife. Such devotion must be worth at least ten thousand gold pieces.” The entire Red Lantern Alley watched the scene unfold. Although they didn’t know the history between them, it was clear the handsome boss was humiliating Adrian. A strange sense of satisfaction welled up in me as Adrian’s lips twitched. For the sake of his pride, he gritted his teeth and agreed. In front of everyone, he signed and sealed the contract, paying ten thousand gold pieces to buy back Seraphina’s freedom. This was his entire savings from two years of military service and rewards, plus a substantial loan. Yet, despite his triumph, the boss’s demeanor was chillingly indifferent to the money. He instructed his men to count it with a detached air, barely glancing as he sneered, “You’re fortunate to have regained the beauty.” With an air of haughty disdain, he crumpled the contract and flung it over the high balcony, watching as it tumbled into the void below. “Take her away,” If there was a way to shatter a man’s spirit, this was it. … With this act, Seraphina’s status was firmly entrenched and known by all. After the grand wedding, her boldness grew even more audacious. She marched into my courtyard with an imperious air, demanding tokens of Adrian’s affection that he had once bestowed upon me. Her voice was a sharp command as she insisted I return every memento, as if reclaiming them would seal her victory and further cement her newfound power. “The General has declared that we are meant to be together for life. You may stay in the manor, but don’t cling to any illusions. You and the General are no different than being divorced.” Facing her provocation, I smiled faintly. “So be it. I only hope he truly cherishes you.” Seraphina, eager to prove her point, said, “He gave up all his military achievements just to make me his equal wife. If that isn’t true love, what is?” I didn’t respond. Instead, I pointed to the wooden box on the ground, where all the hairpins and jade ornaments Adrian had given me were stored. “Please, hand these back to him.” I lowered my gaze. “It’s just a shame that the kites he made for me, the summer fireflies he placed in my hands, the hurried love letters from the battlefield… those can never be returned.” In the past, Adrian would rise before dawn to train, regardless of the weather, and I would silently accompany him, handing him a towel when he was done. I knew he was the backbone of the kingdom, the guardian of the realm. But now, he spent day and night wrapped up in Seraphina’s company, taking potions to boost his stamina. It was as if he had been drained of life; dark circles formed under his eyes, despite being only in his twenties. As my morning sickness worsened, I had Liana procure a potion to terminate the pregnancy and arrange for a medical retreat. During this time, I had been secretly poisoning Adrian’s food with a concoction to render him infertile, ensuring he could no longer father children. It was time to end this. That day, while Adrian and Seraphina were lost in their daytime pleasures, I took the divorce papers I had already prepared, stamped them with Adrian’s seal in his study, and left decisively. As I reached the door, a sudden, excruciating pain gripped my abdomen, and I felt warm, sticky blood flowing down. I was struck by a sudden realization—how could this be? I hadn’t taken the potion yet. Who had poisoned me? Soon, Adrian rushed out, panic written all over his face when he saw me lying in a pool of blood. “Elara, what’s happening?” Then, with a loud thud, Adrian was kicked to the ground, coughing up blood. The pain was overwhelming, and as I curled up on the ground, tears blurred my vision. A cold drop fell on my eyelid, but it wasn’t my own. “Don’t be afraid, I’ll take you away.” I was lifted into warm arms, the heat of his body nearly stealing my breath. For a brief moment, my vision cleared enough to see the face of the man holding me. It was the beautiful master from Moonrise Manor, whom I had glimpsed that day. 6 This time, however, there was no trace of those vibrant or the seductive allure. His appearance had changed, now possessing a more masculine edge, though I recognized him instantly from the clarity in his eyes. He held me firmly as he stood, his gaze sharp as he glanced back at the man behind us. “Where are you taking Elara? Put her down! She is the lady of this house and must stay here to recover. She cannot go anywhere!” Adrian’s frantic shouts echoed behind us as he clung desperately to the man’s leg. But the master swiftly kicked him aside. Adrian, weakened by his excessive indulgence, struggled to stand, his face twisted in fury, yet unable to do anything

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After returning from a three-year business trip, Adrian had just stepped into the house when he saw Lucas sitting in a chair, staring at him with a dark, intense gaze. Lucas’s eyes were filled with a strong, almost predatory desire, as if he wanted to devour Adrian whole. “Long time no see, big brother,” Lucas said softly. Adrian swallowed hard. Oh no, his sweet little puppy had turned into a possessive wolf. 1 Adrian was standing in front of five large garbage bins, holding several bags of trash and looking confused. As he glanced at the last bin, he noticed something odd nearby. “Huh? What kind of trash is that?” he asked, pointing with his slender, pale finger. Mrs. Johnson followed his gaze. Next to the garbage bins was a small, dark figure, curled up with its face buried in its knees. Mrs. Johnson’s eyes widened in shock, and she nearly dropped the trash she was holding. “That’s not trash! That’s a person! Quick, call 911!” “What?!” Adrian exclaimed, finally realizing what he was seeing. He quickly dialed 91

Since he was the one who made the emergency call, Adrian accompanied the ambulance to the hospital. “Who’s this boy’s family?” a nurse from the emergency department called out urgently. Adrian, who had just returned from paying the bill, scratched his cheek awkwardly. “Um… I am,” he replied hesitantly. “What kind of brother are you?” the nurse scolded, her eyes blazing with anger. “Your brother fainted from hunger and is severely dehydrated. Not eating or drinking can be fatal, you know! He’s only seventeen!” Faced with the nurse’s accusation, Adrian was at a loss for words. Well… would you believe me if I said I just found this brother in a dumpster? “Fortunately, we got to him in time. Let’s start with an IV drip for now,” the nurse continued, her tone softening slightly. “Okay, thank you,” Adrian replied gratefully. Adrian sat by the hospital bed, using a warm washcloth to clean his newfound brother’s face. The boy was filthy – who knows what he had been through. As the nurse was inserting the IV, the boy on the bed seemed to feel the pain. His brow furrowed, and he slowly opened his eyes. Adrian, who had been watching him closely, noticed immediately. Seeing the boy’s pale face, he spoke softly to comfort him: “Don’t be afraid. Everything will be alright.” The boy’s eyes were unfocused, too weak to clearly see who was talking to him. He could only surrender to the overwhelming fatigue, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep. All he knew was that the voice was gentle, the touch on his face was gentle, and the words were gentle. It made him feel inexplicably safe. 2 Lucas woke up in an unfamiliar environment. The room was small; he could see everything at a glance. By his bedside was a handsome young man, asleep in a single armchair. The morning sunlight fell on him, giving him a golden glow that highlighted his clean and gentle features. It must have been him taking care of me yesterday. Adrian woke up groggily, and as soon as he opened his eyes, he saw the boy staring at him intently. “Oh, you’re awake. Are you hungry?” he asked. Lucas nodded. He actually couldn’t feel hunger anymore, but he knew he needed to eat. Adrian got up and brought a bowl of porridge from the kitchen. “Your body is still weak. The doctor said you should only eat easily digestible foods for now, like porridge or noodles.” Lucas was about to reach out to take the bowl, but Adrian brought the spoon directly to his mouth. Adrian clearly saw Lucas freeze for a moment. “Is the plain porridge not tasty? I’m sorry, how about I make you some rice porridge tomorrow?” he asked apologetically. Lucas didn’t say anything, just opened his mouth and ate from the spoon. They fell into a rhythm, with Adrian filling the spoon and Lucas eating. Adrian would even gently wipe Lucas’s mouth between bites, causing the tips of the boy’s ears to turn red. Because Lucas saw that Adrian seemed happy when he ate, he unconsciously finished the entire bowl of porridge. In truth, the porridge wasn’t particularly tasty to him, but he felt a long-lost warmth. “The porridge was very good,” Lucas said softly. Adrian, who was wiping Lucas’s lips, paused for a moment. As if encouraged, he excitedly hugged Lucas. “This is the first time someone has said my cooking is good! Wait here, little brother, I’ll bring you another bowl.” With that, he hurried back to the kitchen, bubbling with joy. Adrian was the type to become radiant with just a little bit of sunshine. Lucas, still sitting stunned on the bed, now had not just red ears but slightly flushed cheeks as well. It had been so long since anyone had hugged him… But when he saw another bowl of plain porridge placed in front of him, Lucas’s brows furrowed slightly. However, seeing Adrian’s expectant eyes, he had no choice but to open his mouth and drink the second bowl… and the third… and the fourth! Finally, with a dark expression, he refused the fifth bowl. “Brother, I really can’t eat anymore.” “Oh, okay. How about some fruit then? I just bought some tangerines. They’re really sweet,” Adrian said with a sunny smile, eagerly recommending more food. Lucas: “…” If I didn’t die of starvation before, are you trying to stuff me to death now? 3 The entire living room was pitch black. Lucas sat at the dining table, a single desk lamp illuminating his face. The sudden light made him uncomfortable, and he shielded his eyes with his hand. “Tell me! Who are you? How old are you?” Adrian demanded, playing the role of an “interrogator” as he sat across from Lucas. “… Don’t you already know, brother?” After interacting with Adrian for the past few days, Lucas had let down his guard. His brother, aside from often acting silly, was just a sunny, pure-hearted young man in daily life. “Ahem!” Adrian coughed sternly a few times, insisting that Lucas play along. Lucas sighed helplessly. Even I, a teenager, don’t play these roleplay games anymore, but this adult seems to be really into it. Though he thought this, he still went along with his brother’s wishes. “My name is Lucas, and I’m 17 years old.” Adrian jotted this down in his notebook. “17 years old, nine years younger than me. Tsk tsk, youth is so nice. I’m jealous.” Adrian had a sour expression on his face. Lucas’s eyebrow twitched. What on earth was his brother comparing now? “How did you come to Clearwater City? And why were you at the garbage station in my community?” Adrian continued his questioning. “I was drugged and when I woke up, I was in Clearwater City. As for the garbage station, I was so hungry I felt dizzy…” “Ah! Were you going to look for food in the garbage?!” Adrian’s eyes welled up with tears. How pitiful! Lucas’s eyebrow twitched again. Couldn’t his brother let him finish speaking? The education he received from childhood meant that even if he were starving to death, he would never look for food in the garbage. “No, that’s not it. It was raining at the time, and I was just looking for a place to take shelter. I was so dizzy from hunger that I didn’t even realize it was a garbage station.” “Oh, I see,” Adrian nodded repeatedly, stroking his chin and making more notes on his paper. “What about your family?” he asked next. Lucas’s expression darkened. “I don’t have a family. And don’t ask about my past or call the police. You’ll get into trouble.” Adrian’s expression froze for a moment. Lucas’s serious expression didn’t seem like he was joking. But then Adrian looked troubled again, and Lucas knew why. He continued: “I’m not asking you to take care of me unconditionally. After I turn 18, I’ll find a job and give you all my wages.” Lucas’s hands, resting on his knees, unconsciously tightened. He knew he had no bargaining power right now. Adrian could completely kick him out if he wanted to, avoiding the trouble. “Hm? Work right after you turn 18? That seems too rushed. Shouldn’t you at least graduate from college? You can’t miss out on the campus experience,” Adrian said with a smile, turning on all the lights. The darkness was instantly replaced by a warm orange glow. Lucas stared at Adrian’s gentle smile in disbelief. The people he knew were all selfish, including himself. But Adrian was truly different. “Ah, I had prepared so many questions, but since you don’t want me to ask, I’ll let it go. Just tell me when you’re ready to talk about it,” Adrian said, looking a bit disappointed. So his earlier troubled expression was just because I wouldn’t let him ask about my past, wasting his prepared questions? “Pfft.” Lucas couldn’t help but laugh. Adrian clapped his hands as if he’d seen a world wonder. “Lucas, you look very handsome when you smile. Remember to smile more often.” “Okay, haha…” Lucas no longer hid his smile. He really had met a nice, silly big brother. “Let’s eat,” Adrian said. Soon, Lucas couldn’t smile anymore as he faced a table full of black, unappetizing dishes. Thinking back to the porridge from before, it must have been a successful product after who knows how many failures. Adrian’s culinary talent was truly zero. “Brother, next time, let me cook,” Lucas suggested. “You know how?” Adrian asked, surprised. “I can learn,” Lucas replied confidently. As Lucas had said, he really did learn to cook. He watched online videos and picked it up quickly. Adrian was instantly both in awe and proud. This was his little brother! He could cook! How smart and capable! In the future, Lucas took charge of every meal in the house, avoiding the high probability of food poisoning from Adrian’s cooking. One day, as Lucas brought out the last dish, he saw Adrian eating with great enjoyment at the dining table, his eyes shining. Lucas couldn’t help but smile, feeling like he could understand how his brother felt when watching him eat before. “Breaking news: The 17-year-old only son of Gu Family Group, the richest family in A City, has passed away…” The news report from the nearby TV instantly wiped the smile from Lucas’s face. The TV showed a couple crying in deep sorrow, but Lucas’s eyes gradually turned cold and vicious. “Disgusting,” he muttered. “…Wuu…” Adrian covered his mouth, trying to cry as quietly as possible. Oh no, the food was too delicious, and I forgot my manners. My little brother called me disgusting! Wuu wuu wuu! Crying! Boo hoo! Lucas heard the soft sobbing and looked at Adrian again. He saw that his brother’s eyes were very red, biting his rosy lower lip, looking extremely wronged. Lucas’s heart clenched painfully. “Brother, what’s wrong?” he asked, concerned. “I’m full. You go ahead and eat,” Adrian said, quickly getting up and returning to his room. He was afraid his eating would affect Lucas’s appetite and impact the child’s growth. Lucas was completely confused. Had he done something to make his brother angry? It didn’t seem like it, but it must have been his fault somehow. Lucas peeled a bowl full of tangerines that Adrian loved and knocked on Adrian’s bedroom door. “Brother, don’t be angry. I was wrong. I prepared some tangerines for you. Will you eat them?” he called softly. Lucas refused to leave, calling out to his brother in a gentle voice. Finally, he used his trump card: “Brother, if you don’t come out, I won’t eat.” Lucas had developed stomach problems from his previous ordeal. If he didn’t eat regularly, his stomach would hurt. Hearing this, Adrian anxiously opened the door. “Good children love to eat. You should be a good child, not a bad one.” Lucas smiled helplessly. Was his brother educating him like a kindergartener? “Okay, okay. Then this good child wants to ask, why is brother angry?” he asked patiently. “Because… because… Wuu… you said my eating was disgusting, but the ribs were really delicious,” Adrian said, biting his lip angrily as large tears rolled down his face. This was the biggest blow a foodie could take! For a moment, Lucas couldn’t tell who was the older brother and who was the younger one. However, knowing the reason, he felt relieved and explained: “I saw something disgusting on TV. Those words weren’t about you, brother.” “And I like watching you eat, brother. You look very good when you’re eating.” “Really?” Adrian asked hopefully. “Really,” Lucas confirmed. Adrian immediately stopped crying, his tears stopping as if on command. He opened his mouth to eat the tangerine Lucas offered, finding it very sweet – sweet enough to reach his heart. This little brother was quite good at comforting people. “Is there any food left?” Adrian asked hopefully. “Yes,” Lucas replied, amused. This made Lucas laugh. His brother was truly a foodie. In the future, he should just focus on eating. 4 Adrian sent Lucas to high school. Lucas was very smart, ranking first in every subject. This made Adrian very happy, like a proud father whose child had become successful. As for himself, he also encountered his own love. “Lucas, this is my girlfriend, Lily,” Adrian introduced. Lucas stared at the long-haired woman in front of him with a dark expression. This was the first time Adrian had brought a woman home. Lily felt uncomfortable under his gaze, feeling that the little brother didn’t like her and even held strong hostility towards her. “Lily, try my brother’s cooking. It’s delicious,” Adrian said, putting a chicken wing into Lily’s bowl. With a “clang,” Lucas put down his chopsticks and stood up to leave. “I’m full,” he said curtly. Followed by a loud “bang!” This child had learned to slam doors! He cooked for his brother to eat, but not only did his brother let an outsider eat it, he even gave her the first piece instead of Lucas. This feeling of being ignored was very uncomfortable, like being pushed out of Adrian’s world by an intruder. He didn’t like it at all. He only wanted Adrian to belong to him, to value only him. This meal was not enjoyable for Lily. After returning home, she suggested they should reconsider their relationship. Adrian was very disappointed. Why were both his girlfriend and his brother unhappy after just one meal? They eventually broke up. Adrian was sad for a while, but life had to go on, and he still had his brother by his side. Soon, it was time for Lucas to apply for college. Adrian was even more nervous than Lucas. This was a major turning point in life! Adrian took a day off work to wait anxiously outside the exam venue. No matter how well his brother did, he would give him a hug. These years of hard study weren’t easy. As it turned out, Adrian had worried for nothing. Not only was Lucas the first to walk out of the exam room, but when the results came out later, he had scored full marks in every subject. Lucas refused interviews from reporters, immediately spotting Adrian looking worried in the crowd. Of course he had to finish the exam quickly because someone was waiting for him. Adrian also noticed Lucas coming out after finishing the exam. His face lit up with a smile as he called out excitedly, “Lucas! Over here! Brother is here!” When Lucas approached, Adrian excitedly threw himself at him, hugging Lucas tightly. By now, Lucas had grown much taller, half a head taller than Adrian, and he steadily caught his brother in his arms. “How did it go?” Adrian asked. “Not bad,” Lucas replied confidently. “So confident! Come on, let’s go eat out to celebrate!” Adrian was so happy with Lucas’s exam results that he went around the neighborhood telling everyone. From 80-year-old seniors to 5-year-old kids, everyone in the area knew that Adrian’s brother had become the top student in the college entrance exam! However, the college Lucas chose to attend left Adrian greatly disappointed, and they even had a big argument about it. “With your grades, why do you insist on going to a local university?! Is this school even in the top three? Why stay in this small place when you could go to a prestigious university?!” Adrian sat on the sofa, his eyes red from crying, upset by Lucas’s decision. When he was a student, he wasn’t as smart as Lucas. He didn’t do well on his exams and didn’t have many choices, so his future path was narrower. Even now, he was just an ordinary office worker. But Lucas was different. Such a smart brother shouldn’t waste his talents in this small city of Clearwater. He should spread his wings and see the big world out there! Lucas knelt in front of his brother, taking Adrian’s hands that were resting on his knees. He gently rubbed the back of Adrian’s hand with his thumb, carefully choosing his words, trying to figure out how to avoid making his brother angry. He hated seeing Adrian’s eyes red from crying. “Brother, I just don’t want to leave you. The tuition for out-of-state universities is also high, and I’m not familiar with those places. What if I get bullied? You won’t be by my side, and no one will take care of me. Could you bear that?” Adrian didn’t speak, but his eyelashes trembled, seeming to consider this question. After so many years, Adrian had naturally grown accustomed to having Lucas by his side. Of course, he would be reluctant to part. But for Lucas’s future, even if he didn’t want to, he had to let go. As for tuition, he could work hard and afford it. Regarding bullying, with Lucas’s height of 6’1″ and his habit of working out, it would probably be difficult for him to be bullied. Adrian pouted, still dissatisfied with his brother’s decision. Lucas continued to persuade him: “I know what you’re worried about, but who says the future is definitely determined by attending a good university? My future, Lucas’s future, will certainly be in my own hands, not bestowed by a prestigious university.” “Brother, do you trust me?” Lucas rested his head on Adrian’s leg, looking up at him pitifully, like a small dog. Adrian finally sighed helplessly, seemingly compromising. “My little brother has grown up. I can’t control him anymore.” “How could that be? I only want my brother to take care of me for a lifetime.” Lucas nuzzled his cheek against Adrian’s knee affectionately. Adrian’s hand rested on Lucas’s head, stroking it gently. “You’d better not regret it.” “I’ll never regret it.”

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Adrian stood on the stage, basking in the spotlight. He was wearing a red velvet suit with no undershirt, exposing his muscular chest. A long, delicate silver necklace hung from his slender neck, disappearing into his suit. His hair was pure gold, making his skin appear very fair. Styled in a 70-30 side part, his eyes exuded a hint of languidness. With a high, straight nose and thin lips curved into a slight smile, his rosy lips glistened alluringly. “Thank you,” he said. “We heard that Mr. Adrian has been on a break recently. What do you usually do during your time off?” the host asked. Adrian chuckled softly, his eyes revealing an intense love as he replied, “I keep fish.” “Welcome to Leo’s live stream! Don’t forget to like and follow. Once you enter my fish tank, you’re mine, and there’s no escape.” On the live stream screen, a man wore a baseball cap and a black mask that covered most of his face. Only his almond-shaped eyes were visible, captivating and alluring. As he narrowed his eyes slightly, he gazed seductively at the camera. A beauty mark below his right eye added to his charm. “Today’s theme is drawing lines on my body with lipstick. As usual, the more you donate, the more you can draw. You can even specify locations.” “But right now, I’m wearing these bothersome clothes. I wonder which brother wants to help me take them off?” Leo’s slender fingers toyed with the shirt buttons on his chest, then raised an eyebrow as he watched the flood of donation messages popping up in the live chat. He smirked to himself. These old perverts, so easy to manipulate. “Hey? Is this all the love you have for Leo?” Leo shook his head, pretending to look hurt as he lowered his eyes, appearing pitiful. Suddenly, a familiar username entered the live room and immediately donated $10,000! Leo’s eyes lit up, his eyebrows arching in a smile as he concealed the excitement in his eyes. His big whale sugar daddy had arrived. “Daddy, I’ve only been streaming for a short while, and you’ve already donated so much?” [Aquarius: I want to quickly leave my exclusive mark on you.] Leo nodded in understanding and slowly unbuttoned his first button, revealing his exquisite collarbone. It was beautiful. Regarding this Aquarius, he had entered Leo’s live stream for the first time a while ago and donated frantically, becoming his top supporter in one night. Since then, whenever Aquarius came, that night’s stream was guaranteed to be highly profitable. This sugar daddy hardly ever missed a stream and never stopped donating, becoming Leo’s new ATM. Leo’s life had changed from riding a bicycle to driving luxury cars, from living in a 500 square foot apartment to a luxurious detached villa, with limited edition luxury goods all over his body. Naturally, Leo particularly liked and paid attention to him. He would chat with him and occasionally flirt and tease him. After all, who wouldn’t like money? During a casual chat, he had asked Aquarius about the meaning of his nickname. The sugar daddy said he was the water, and Leo was a fish that couldn’t leave the water, suitable to be kept in his tank. Leo nodded and agreed on the surface, saying that Daddy’s description was very apt. After all, his money came from these wealthy bosses with too much money, so he really couldn’t leave them. But internally, he was very disdainful. Don’t be so full of yourself. I can’t leave you? It’s clearly you who can’t leave me! Wait until I squeeze all your money dry, and see if I still pay attention to you! There are plenty of rich guys out there! Beautiful fish deserve to live in golden, glittering fish tanks, drinking golden water. If you don’t have money, just get lost. “You’ve donated so much, you could draw all over my body now, Daddy,” Leo called out to his sugar daddy in a coquettish voice. Anyone who heard it would feel their breath catch and their lower body tighten. Undeniably, Leo’s seduction skills were top-notch. All the shirt buttons were now undone, revealing his smooth, fair body. The shirt hung off his arms, exposing his shoulders. It was more tantalizing than being completely naked, making people want to help take it off completely. At this point, donation messages flooded the live chat again, but as long as they didn’t exceed Aquarius’s amount, Leo had to prioritize serving him. Leo exhaled softly, enticingly asking, “Where do you want to draw?” [Aquarius: From your neck down to where your heart beats on the left side.] Leo bit off the cap of the Dior 999 lipstick through his mask. The bright red lipstick started from his alluring Adam’s apple and continued down, stopping at his chest, waiting for the master’s next instruction. [Aquarius: Circle around the left chest to the right side, circle again and then go down…] More and more red lines wrapped around his body, the vibrant color stimulating viewers’ visual senses. [Aquarius: Your skin is so fair, very suitable for red ropes.] “Oh! You’re so naughty, I won’t let you see anymore.” After seeing the message, Leo coyly pulled his shirt closed, but only symbolically covered himself for a few minutes without buttoning up. After all, he couldn’t offend his sugar daddy. However, the visibility of his body was less than before. But internally, he was very contemptuous. This pervert, he felt something was off when circling around, but for the sake of money, he could only grit his teeth and go along with it. Seeing less to look at, other old perverts began to cry and complain, but Daddy remained calm and donated another $10,000! [Aquarius: Put your clothes back on properly.] Leo was a bit surprised. This was the first time someone had paid for him to put clothes on. Others were indignant, but what could they do without this kind of money? Leo obediently put his clothes back on. As for those poor old perverts, who cares about them! “Does Daddy want to chat with me?” Leo asked the screen affectionately, looking at the person behind the screen. Aquarius was silent for a few minutes before sending a message: [Aquarius: In college, I met my first love, but we only dated for three days before breaking up. He went to find someone else.] “Ah? He must have been blind to not want you when you’re so rich.” Leo was a bit shocked. A rich young master not wanted? If it were him, no matter how much he disliked the person, he would string them along until he had bought everything he wanted. [Aquarius: But I had no money at that time.] “Uh, I mean you’re so gentle and considerate.” Leo quickly changed his words with an awkward smile. That previous statement seemed to have accidentally revealed his true nature. [Aquarius: If it were you, would you break up with me to find someone else?] “Of course not! Daddy, you’re so good, I couldn’t wait to like you.” Leo immediately said he wouldn’t. This was his top supporter! Of course, he had to sweet-talk him. Until an even richer sugar daddy appeared, Leo could only act as a loyal dog. [Aquarius: Good.] After saying that, Aquarius actually left Leo’s live stream. Leo was stunned, wondering if he had said something wrong to offend his sugar daddy. Then he realized it was time for him to end the stream. “Alright, that’s all for today. Leo is going to take a bath and sleep~ You should all go to bed early too. Bye-bye.” Leo smiled and ended the live stream, completely ignoring the complaints in the chat room. “Tch, bunch of poor losers. If you have the ability, then throw money at me like Daddy to make me stay,” Leo muttered as he took off his mask. His face was small and delicate, like a porcelain doll. His lips were like rose petals, red and tender, full enough to make one want to bite them. Leo checked the backend earnings. Although the platform would take a cut, the profit was still incredibly impressive, thanks to Aquarius. Satisfied with a smile, he closed the door of the streaming room and went to the bathroom to take a shower. This villa was just moved into a month ago. The previous owner was in urgent need of money and only asked for a $1 million transfer fee, which could even be paid in installments! This was a detached large villa! It completely satisfied Leo’s vanity, and he immediately signed the contract and moved in. The villa was very large, and he had made an independent streaming studio for himself. The previous owner had also decorated it very grandly, so he didn’t need to buy many pieces of furniture and could use them directly. Except for the somewhat remote location, but since he didn’t go out often, it was acceptable. The hot water cascading over his body made him feel extremely relaxed and comfortable. “Ah, the lipstick.” Glancing at the red water on the ground, he remembered that he hadn’t wiped off the lipstick on his body. Today’s shower took longer than usual. He struggled with the lipstick marks for a long time before finally scrubbing them clean, though he had scrubbed so hard that his skin turned pink. In his heart, he blamed Aquarius again. Tch, what kind of pervert was he? After coming out of the bathroom, a chill entered the bedroom. It turned out that the sliding door connecting to the outdoor balcony hadn’t been closed, and it was raining outside. Some rainwater had even been blown in by the strong wind. Leo closed the sliding door and locked it, then lay down in the soft large bed. He turned on the TV, planning to watch for a while before going to sleep. Flipping through channels boredly, he finally found a TV series he liked. However, as soon as the male lead appeared, he instantly lost interest. “Why is it Adrian again? Damn, disgusting thing.” Adrian had graduated from the same university as him, but back in college, he was just an annoying poor boy who could only afford to treat people to meals at roadside stalls. He didn’t know what methods Adrian had used to become an actor. In recent years, Adrian had become hugely popular, starring in countless movies and TV series, with over 100 million fans, crowned as the nation’s heartthrob. Since then, he had been standing glamorously in front of cameras, receiving everyone’s praise without having to sell himself like Leo did. Leo even had to cover up his most beautiful face, afraid of being recognized, before daring to sit in front of the camera. This difference planted seeds of jealousy deep in Leo’s heart. He couldn’t allow others to live better than him. Especially not a former lover whom he looked down upon and had abandoned. Leo snorted coldly and turned off the TV. He tossed the remote control aside and buried his head to sleep. In his heart, Adrian was still just a worthless poor boy who could never turn his life around. Late at night, lightning flashed and thunder rumbled outside the window, but all this was irrelevant to the soundly sleeping Leo, who was sleeping peacefully and comfortably. Another dazzling bolt of lightning tore through the night sky, illuminating the room for an instant. A tall figure appeared by Leo’s bed. He stood there, wearing a raincoat, staring intently at the beauty on the bed. After the brief brightness, the room returned to darkness, and the figure disappeared into the night. “Disgusting…”

It was still raining outside, a drizzle that made it hard to distinguish between day and night. Leo woke up groggily, not knowing why he felt unusually tired and weak. There was also an uncomfortable feeling of restraint enveloping his entire body. He raised his hand, but his wrist was immediately pulled back. The red rope binding his wrist to the bedpost instantly tightened, and his arm fell back down powerlessly. He looked at the red rope on his wrist in confusion, not understanding what was going on. All four limbs were bound to the four corners of the bed with red rope. The length left for him was very short, forcing him to lie spread-eagled. His clothes had vanished, and the lipstick marks he had wiped off were replaced by red ropes binding his body. This must be a dream, right? He must not be fully awake yet… “You’re awake. Actually, you could have slept a bit longer.” The unfamiliar man’s voice struck Leo’s nerves, instantly awakening his consciousness, though his body still couldn’t muster any strength. Leo struggled to lift his head, looking towards the source of the voice. A man sat in an armchair, wearing a plush mask shaped like the Cheshire Cat on his face. He was grinning, showing saw-like teeth, like a demon, making one’s blood run cold. “But since you’re awake, let’s begin.”

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Adrian had fallen for Lucas. When this thought popped into Adrian’s mind, he was completely stunned. He must be going crazy! Holding his digital pen, he couldn’t bring himself to start drawing. The editor had already called several times and sent over a dozen messages on SnapChat. “For heaven’s sake, you’ve already missed the deadline. Your fans are eagerly waiting. Haven’t you been working on the draft lately?” “You must submit chapter 45 of the comic by 3 PM today. Otherwise, I’ll come to your place and watch you draw!” … Adrian, already irritated, felt even more annoyed seeing these messages. He tossed the digital pen aside, stood up, grabbed a clean set of clothes from the closet, and left his room. The shower in his en-suite bathroom was broken, and he hadn’t had time to fix it. He had to use the one in the living room. His mind was in chaos. How could this be possible? How could he have fallen for Lucas? Lost in thought, Adrian pushed open the bathroom door. The room was filled with steam. Sensing something was off, Adrian looked up. Lucas’s wild, wolf-like face suddenly came into view. The young man stood at 6’1″, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His six-pack abs and ruggedly handsome face were enough to make any girl turn her head. Adrian stood there, dumbfounded. Lucas, his body covered in water droplets, grinned mischievously when he saw Adrian enter. “Want to shower together…” Bang! Before he could finish his sentence, the bathroom door slammed shut. The beautiful – no, handsome – man with his cool demeanor had vanished. Adrian fled from the bathroom, his mind filled with images of Lucas’s body.

Adrian first saw Lucas in the park near his house. The 18 or 19-year-old boy was wearing a loose black T-shirt, cargo pants with a silver chain, and black lace-up boots. With his rebellious, wolfish face, he was feeding a stray cat with a stick of beef jerky. He was muttering to himself. “This is my last beef jerky. I’ll give you half.” “After you finish this half, don’t follow me anymore. I’ll be homeless just like you.” “Damn! Don’t bite the top part! That’s mine!” From Adrian’s perspective, the scene was quite amusing. The boy’s appearance gave him inspiration for the new male protagonist in his comic. Out of curiosity or perhaps sympathy, Adrian, who usually minded his own business, decided to intervene for once. “Do you… want to stay at my place?” The moment Adrian said those words, he immediately regretted them, but it was too late to take them back. Lucas looked up at the man standing before him. He wore a casual white shirt paired with plain black trousers, and his face was… beautiful. Yes, beautiful. The kind of beauty that blurred gender lines. If he hadn’t spoken, Lucas would have thought he was a woman. But his voice wasn’t feminine at all. Hearing the man’s offer, Lucas’s eyes lit up. “Really?” Adrian: … He wanted to say no. But seeing the puppy-dog eyes and that face, well, he shamefully softened. And just like that, Adrian, who had been living alone, gained a roommate.

Adrian flopped onto his bed, recalling his first encounter with Lucas. Now, Lucas had been living with him for almost two months. Time had flown by so quickly. Knock knock— While his thoughts were still wandering, there was a knock at the door. With only him and Lucas in the house, it was obvious who it was. Adrian got up, patted his face to regain his usual expressionless look, and opened the door. As soon as he did, the young man’s tanned chest came into view. As expected, this guy hadn’t bothered to dress properly again. He only had a large towel wrapped around his waist, and his hair was still dripping. Lucas grinned, “Can I borrow your hair dryer?” Water droplets slid from his hair to his shoulders, then down further. The air between them was thick with testosterone. Adrian coolly averted his gaze, turned around to find the hair dryer, and Lucas took the opportunity to slip into Adrian’s room. Adrian’s room, like the man himself, was immaculately clean. The overall color scheme was light blue, with a large bookshelf filled with books and comics. Next to the bookshelf was a large computer desk, currently holding a graphics tablet. The computer screen was on, displaying an unfinished comic. Adrian retrieved the hair dryer from his bathroom and came out to find Lucas, clad only in a towel, wandering around his room. Seeing him approach the computer desk, Adrian panicked. He quickly walked over, shoved the hair dryer into Lucas’s hands, and coldly said, “Get out.” Lucas was startled, but seeing Adrian’s cool, jade-like face and indifferent gaze, he immediately left the room with the hair dryer, thoughtfully closing the door behind him. As the door closed, Adrian went over and locked it. He operated the computer, switching the screen to display the character he had drawn. The image showed a wild, untamed young man with wolf ears, his hands bound by black leather straps, kneeling on the ground. The scene was incredibly intense, and given Adrian’s exceptional drawing skills, it was incredibly lifelike. Looking at this drawing, a faint blush crept across Adrian’s pale skin, even reaching his ears.

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What’s it like to accidentally hire your own boyfriend as a nude model? I just want to run away. Can someone tell me why the professor who’s supposed to be on a business trip thousands of miles away suddenly showed up at the fashion show?! And why did he have to pretend to be someone else?! Even more terrifying, I brazenly agreed to let him be my boyfriend. At the masquerade fashion show, I immediately spotted a model who looked somewhat similar to Professor Ryan. What should I do? My hands are itching to ask him to be my nude model. I touched my own belly, which still lacked visible abs despite months of training with Professor Ryan, and gritted my teeth in frustration. It’s really infuriating how some people are just naturally gifted! Seeing him about to leave, I hurriedly stopped him and boldly examined the muscles bulging under his sheer outfit. I had to admit, he really could give my Professor Ryan a run for his money. “Would you like to be my nude model? Name your price,” I propositioned. “How about being your boyfriend instead?” the man replied with an enigmatic look. “I’m a guy!” I stood on my tiptoes and glared at him angrily. Although I may look somewhat feminine, my masculinity is so obvious – is he blind or something?! The man chuckled softly. “I know.” I was shocked speechless. What kind of luck is this, randomly picking up a guy who’s into men?! I stared at his enviable abs. If it weren’t for Professor Ryan, I would have agreed on the spot. After hesitating for a moment, I texted the professor who was away on his trip: “Professor, I feel so empty and lonely without you by my side.” “Is it as cold as the Arctic where I’m doing research?” “No wonder I’m so cold – it turns out you took my heart with you to the Arctic!” After confirming Professor Ryan hadn’t returned, I turned off my phone and nodded enthusiastically at the man, unconsciously licking my lips. After all, my professor is too conservative to let me enjoy his abs. Can’t I at least appreciate someone else’s from an artistic perspective? Besides, although this guy seems a bit soft, he’s still clearly a top. I’m determined to tease him until he willingly becomes my free labor. The man snorted and suddenly leaned in close, his hot breath tickling my ear. “Are you sure about this?” A tingling sensation instantly spread through my body. Damn, should I push him away now? After all, before meeting Professor Ryan, I was quite the player myself. It’s enough that I’ve only ever submitted to the professor in this lifetime. I hooked my finger around his hand, taking control of the situation. “You’re in luck – I don’t have a boyfriend at the moment.” I figured I could just break up before the professor returned. No one would ever know. The man in front of me chuckled softly, then suddenly removed his mask. A familiar face appeared before me, and I pushed him away in shock. Professor Ryan took off his glasses, as if removing a seal. His aura instantly transformed from scholarly to dangerous. He grabbed my waist and stared at me with eyes as dark as obsidian, as if he wanted to devour me whole. I unconsciously took a few steps back and gulped. This is bad – my ass is going to be sore. But giving in just like that would be a waste of all my player skills, wouldn’t it?

I quickly put on a smile and hooked my arms around his neck, pouting. “You’re so naughty – I recognized you from the start!” Professor Ryan seemed to believe what I said and loosened his grip. But his fingers traced my lips, as if wanting to vent his anger. “Nonsense. If you really recognized me, you would have exposed me on the spot.” Damn, being understood so well by Professor Ryan can be such a painful thing! If I were a girl, I’d definitely try to charm my way out of this with some coquettish act. But as a guy, that would be too affected. There’s no choice but to go on the offensive! I pushed him away and deliberately turned my head, refusing to look at him. “That’s normally true, but I’m angry right now!” Professor Ryan crossed his arms and stared at me intently, like he was watching a student try to weasel out of trouble. He let out a skeptical “Hmm.” Now I was genuinely angry. My voice unconsciously took on a whining tone. “Don’t you love me anymore? I’m always the one initiating contact, sending you messages, but you never reply. Am I not even worthy of a good morning or good night text?” This relationship has always been maintained by my efforts alone. From first falling for him to successfully seducing him, he’s always been so indifferent. I’m always the one creating surprises, while he just passively enjoys them. Sometimes I get tired too, you know! If I hadn’t confirmed that Professor Ryan frequented gay bars, I never would have dared to boldly pursue him. But Professor Ryan just silently stared at me, not saying a word. How about that – feeling guilty now, aren’t you? Just need to push a little more! I tugged at Professor Ryan’s collar in feigned anger and huffed, “You should reflect on your behavior. How can you blame me for this?” Professor Ryan finally moved his lips. Just as I thought I had everything under control, he gave me an inscrutable look and suddenly started showing me screenshots of my past flirtatious conversations, one by one. His tone was ice cold: “I know you yearn for freedom and love. I thought I was the harbor where you’d finally drop anchor, but now I realize I’m just another fish in your pond.” “They’re all just friends! Even though I like men, I can still be friends with guys.” “Oh, is that so? The kind of friends you sleep with?” As he spoke, Professor Ryan calmly opened his SnapChat. Damn, Professor Ryan actually went to the trouble of adding them as contacts! My heart instantly plummeted. I opened my mouth to say something but realized any explanation would be futile. Professor Ryan had long ago discovered I was a player, but he still chose to trust me. This time I really let him down. “Didn’t you ask me to get to know you better? Which part of what you told me didn’t I listen to carefully? But what about you?” Professor Ryan stared at me, his gaze dark. It’s true – even when I was just joking around, Professor Ryan always took me seriously, gradually becoming more and more of what I liked. He became so good to me that I couldn’t bear to leave him. But I’ve always approached relationships with a playful attitude, treating love like a game to be conquered. “I’m sorry, I lost control of my emotions.” With that, Professor Ryan hurriedly left. “How do you know I’m not sincere this time?” I shouted after him. To my surprise, my voice carried a hint of tears. But he, who had always been the best at comforting me, walked away without looking back this time. Fine then, just leave! I kicked a pebble on the side of the road and stomped home angrily, immersing myself in my artistic world. But this time I couldn’t focus on my art. My mind was filled with images of Professor Ryan. I texted him, but he didn’t reply. I crashed his class like usual, winking at him, but he ignored me completely. I tried to corner him after class, but he maintained a strictly professional attitude. Just as I was at my wit’s end, a heavy rainstorm came to my rescue.

Looking at the pouring rain outside the window, I crouched down and sent Professor Ryan a pitiful cat emoji, begging him to come pick me up. Professor Ryan’s chat bubble showed “typing” for a long time, but no message came through. My spirits lifted – surely this meant Professor Ryan still had feelings for me. I immediately called him. “It’s raining, and this poor little kitten can’t find his way home. Won’t you help him, kind professor?” There was silence on the other end for a moment. Just as I thought he was going to hang up, the professor’s cool voice came through. “Poor little kitten, I sympathize with your plight. Unfortunately, I’ve injured my leg and can’t come. Besides, as a man, you shouldn’t always rely on others when facing difficulties. You need to learn to be strong on your own.” Me: ??? Is this really the Professor Ryan I know? He can’t even be bothered to come up with a believable lie? It seems I was overthinking things. How could Professor Ryan still have feelings for me? He was probably just thinking of how to reject me politely earlier. “I guess love really does fade away.” I dejectedly pulled the phone away, about to hang up. “Wait, give me your address. I’ll call you a delivery service.” The professor’s icy voice came through. My spirits lifted again. So the professor isn’t completely cold-hearted after all. I was about to launch into a string of praises when he abruptly hung up. Hmph, I’ve still got him wrapped around my finger! I happily sent over my address, but after waiting for ages, no one showed up. Just as I was starting to suspect Professor Ryan was messing with me, I finally spotted the delivery guy. I enthusiastically reached out to take the umbrella from his hands, but he just stared at me in confusion and handed me a green hat instead. I was dumbfounded for a moment, then frantically searched through the bag. Apart from the hat, there was only a note: “I’m returning the green hat you gave me.” Me: ???!!! What the hell, is Professor Ryan really this petty?! Whether intentional or not, I suddenly noticed Professor Ryan’s home address on the bag.

Clutching the green hat in my hand, I sped over to Professor Ryan’s place on my electric scooter and frantically pounded on his door. As soon as the door opened, all the anger in my mind was instantly displaced by the sight of Professor Ryan’s body. He really does have a deceptively fit physique under those clothes. I didn’t get a clear view last time through the sheer outfit, but now I could see everything in perfect detail. I could even trace how the water droplets traveled down his eight-pack abs before disappearing into the towel wrapped around his waist. “Had enough of looking? If you’re done, close the door and get out!” Professor Ryan raised an eyebrow at me. That snapped me out of my daze. I tossed the green hat at him and turned my head away in annoyance. “Who’s looking? I wasn’t! I’ll definitely be bigger than you someday!” “Oh? Bigger where exactly?” Damn perverted old man! I glared at him, but for some reason, my eyes couldn’t help but wander downwards. I suddenly felt dissatisfied: We do the same exercises, so why does Professor Ryan have such great abs! If I had a body like his, wouldn’t I be able to pin him down instead? “Still looking?” “Who’s looking at you! I couldn’t care less! You’re the one doing a wet body tease – I’m just playing along.” Professor Ryan snorted. “So I should thank you then?” I nodded and pointed at the green hat I’d thrown at him earlier. “I don’t remember ever giving you a green hat. I think you’ve been drinking too much and developed paranoid delusions.” Professor Ryan set down the wine glass in his hand. “Do I need to remind you of what happened last time?” Under Professor Ryan’s interrogating gaze, I instantly cowered. But I couldn’t lose face. I suddenly stood up, looking down at Professor Ryan sitting on the couch. “I know I was wrong. But as an artist, you know we have to sacrifice for love. How can you not understand that?” Professor Ryan pushed up his glasses and looked up at me. “Then you should understand me too. As a scholar of literature, I need to seal off my heart and devote myself entirely to my work.” The smile on my face nearly crumbled. I really shouldn’t try to play word games with a professor. Since the soft approach wasn’t working, time for the hard approach. “Don’t you have a heart? I’ve been thinking about you so much I can’t eat or sleep. I’ve lost so much weight.” As I spoke, I pinched the flesh on my face and gave him a pitiful look. Professor Ryan suddenly stood up and leaned in close. My spirits lifted and I tilted my head up towards him. Was he going to touch me? Was he going to take pity on me? Just one more push! The next second, my facade crumbled completely. Professor Ryan had reached past me to grab a scale from behind. “Come on, let’s weigh you.” His tone was casual, but I swear I heard a hint of anticipation?! I stared at him in shock, unable to say a word for a long moment. Looking at the scale on the ground, then at Professor Ryan’s mocking gaze, I took a deep breath. Fine, I’ll do it. My classmates have all been saying I’ve lost weight lately. But when I saw the actual number displayed, I wanted to curl up and die. I’d actually gained 5 pounds? “This can’t be right. The scale must be broken.” Professor Ryan raised an eyebrow and stepped on it himself. Damn, he’d actually lost 4 pounds. Wait a minute?! If Professor Ryan lost weight, doesn’t that mean he’s been thinking about me?

I looked up at him hopefully. Professor Ryan seemed to understand my meaning and pointed at the workout plan on the wall. Well, I guess I was overthinking things. “So tell me, how did you manage to gain weight while supposedly unable to eat or sleep? And weren’t you saying you wanted abs to show off your manly strength?” He’s definitely mocking me! Did he really have to say it out loud just because I was bluffing?! I glared at him. “Haven’t you heard of emotional eating?! Yes, when I’m really upset I binge eat. It’s normal to gain weight.” Professor Ryan raised an eyebrow at me and lifted my shirt, his warm hand touching the soft flesh on my belly. The heated sensation made my whole body feel like it was on fire. “You touched me, so you have to forgive me now!” Professor Ryan sighed helplessly and continued fondling the soft flesh on my stomach. “Looks like you got lazy again without me around.” I hugged Professor Ryan tightly. “That’s right, so you need to be my personal trainer for life.” Professor Ryan glared at me. I grinned and stroked his earlobe, feigning surprise. “Oh my, Professor, your ears are turning red.” The next second, the tips of Professor Ryan’s ears really did turn bright red. I smiled at him triumphantly. “Just kidding, but now they really are red.” Our eyes met, and the atmosphere suddenly became heated. Noticing the reaction down below, my face instantly flushed red. I tried to get up and flee. But Professor Ryan grabbed me, his warm body still damp from the shower pressing close. “You’re feeling it too, aren’t you?”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “294567”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #玄幻Fantsy #狼人werewolf #擦边Steamy #励志Inspiring #现实主义Realistic

As I walked home, Abby hurled a burger at me, smearing cheese across my face. “Phony werewolf,” she sneered, her friends’ laughter ringing in my ears as they left me humiliated. Tina, once my closest friend, now delighted in my disgrace. Graduation was near, but with no wolf in sight, I was nothing but a target. My parents, though respected, were quietly disappointed by my failure to shift. With my eighteenth birthday looming, the future felt bleak. Deputy Dean Judi stormed into my math class, summoning me to her office while my classmates snickered. Tina blocked my path, smirking. “Father’s expelled you from the pack,” she hissed. I ignored her and entered the office, only to be soaked by a bucket of water. Soaked and humiliated, I stood as my mother arrived, her eyes locked on Tina. With a swift slap, she sent Tina fleeing in tears. “They’re not worth it,” my mother said, leading me to the parking lot where a moving van waited. “We’re starting fresh, up north.” “Are we kicked out?” I asked, nausea twisting in my stomach. “Yes,” my father said, lighting a cigar. “But don’t worry—we’re heading to a better pack.” “I won’t stay with a pack that rejects my daughter,” Dad said firmly. Guilt gnawed at me for uprooting them. Mom squeezed my knee. “Everything will work out. You’re just starting late. You’re still a werewolf.” “We’re heading to the Crescent Pack,” Dad continued. “Alpha Antony is offering us refuge.” “The Crescent Pack? The one at war with Mountain Ridge?” I asked, alarmed. “Yes, but Alpha Antony is a good man, despite his reputation,” Mom assured. “But he’s a monster,” I countered. “He’s infamous for slaughtering packs, even his own father.” “Don’t believe the rumors,” Mom said. “He must have had his reasons. Besides, no one else would take us.” Dad promised I’d be fine if I proved myself. When we arrived, the snow-covered landscape was breathtaking, but exhaustion weighed heavy. A beta with black hair and guards approached, his eyes narrowing at me. “Alpha Antony wants you at the packhouse immediately,” he said coldly. “Is this your daughter?” “Yes, this is Katrina,” Dad replied, offering his hand to shift the focus. “Beta Matthew,” he nodded curtly. “I hear you were a Beta at your old Pack. We could use your skills here.” Dad nodded, introducing Mom. “This is Dianna, my wife.” “Nice to meet you,” Mom said, shaking Matthew’s hand. His earlier hostility softened, though his wariness lingered. Matthew hurried us into his black Porsche. “Follow us.” We trailed him through the quiet town to the edge of the woods, arriving at a grand marble home with a snow-covered roof and ivy-clad walls. The house was stunning, a sharp contrast to the anxiety gnawing at me. Inside, the décor was opulent—marble floors, a portrait of Alpha Antony, and spruce wood trim. Mom admired it all, while I stood in awe and fear. Matthew led us to a guest lift, knocking on an office door. A deep, magnetic voice called us in, sending shivers down my spine. Dad entered alone. Mom stayed with me. “The Alpha will speak with each of us separately to verify our stories.” “What story?” I whispered, my heart pounding. “The story about me not being able to shift,” I said, fighting tears. “If he finds out, he might hurt us.” Mom hugged me tightly. “Shifting doesn’t matter to the Alpha. You’ll find your wolf eventually.” I nodded, terrified but resigned. Mom entered the office as Dad opened the door. “It’s not too bad,” Dad explains. “Just a small cut, mixing blood, and a pledge to bond with the pack.” A scream suddenly pierces the air—Mom’s. Dad rushes to the door as I hear the struggle and the handle rattle. Mom emerges, sobbing, clutching her head. Dad helps her, worry etched on his face. “Go on, Katrina,” Mom urges, her voice trembling. I shake my head, paralyzed with fear. Dad grips my arms. “We need this. Please, for us.” I nod, my heart racing. Dad opens the door to the Alpha’s office. Inside, Alpha Antony sits at his desk, his presence dominating the room. His jet-black hair, chiseled features, and intense gaze make him both handsome and terrifying. He eyes me coldly, sensing my lack of a wolf. “Come closer,” he growls. I shuffle forward, my blood running cold. “There’s a chair,” he says, pointing. I sit on the edge, my parents watching anxiously. “Your name?” he asks, his voice low and commanding. “Katrina,” I manage to reply. “You can call me Antony,” he says briskly. “How old are you?” “Just turned 17,” I answer, my voice barely steady. He examines my ID, confirming my age. “You haven’t finished school yet?” I nod, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. “I’m surprised you’re switching schools so soon,” Antony says, scrutinizing me. “Most students stay for academic reasons. You’ll finish your studies here with our pack.” I stay silent, letting Mom take the blame for the incident with Tina, though it wasn’t the real reason we left. “Your parents mentioned the trouble with the Alpha’s daughter, and your mother’s reaction?” Antony probes. I nod. “Good riddance to Nkosi,” Antony sneers, clear disdain in his voice. He stands and gestures for me to come closer. A shiver runs down my spine. “I promise, Katrina, I will never hurt you,” he says, though trust feels risky. He pricks my finger, letting blood trickle onto the table. “Sorry, it stings a bit,” he adds with a smile. He offers his wrist, and I realize the bond involves drinking his blood. Despite my fear, the taste is oddly sweet. He pulls me close, whispering, “Now, pledge your loyalty.” I nod, reciting, “In the name of Alpha Antony, I, Katrina, pledge everlasting loyalty and the fulfillment of all your wishes.” His scent overwhelms me, and when I nearly fall, he catches me, his grip firm. The bond snaps into place as the voices of my former pack fade. Antony smiles. “It’s done,” he says as I look up, dazed. His arms around me make me blush with embarrassment. My parents rush in as I pull away. Antony turns, and Dad tries to reassure me, though his words feel empty. “Tomorrow, Matthew will show you your new home. Katrina, start school tomorrow, and join pack training on Friday. Meet me Monday for your training.” “Pack training?” I ask, shocked. Antony’s gaze sharpens as Mom nudges me to stay quiet. “It’s mandatory,” he says. Mom steps in, shaking hands with Antony. “No problem.” Antony turns to her. “I’m interested in your experience with teens. Volunteer at the high school and keep an eye on Katrina.” Matthew leads us to a secluded cottage at the edge of town. As we approach, he offers the keys. “If it feels too remote, there are other options.” “This is perfect,” Dad replies. I stood on the lawn as Matthew curiously sniffed the air, his eyes narrowing. “You smell different from most wolves,” he remarked, making me tense. “I’m not sure what you mean,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “Your wolf scent is distinct, yet subtle,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “You smell… familiar.” Before I could respond, he continued, “Pack training is every Friday at 5:00. No pressure if you can’t make it this week, but the pack will feel more comfortable with newcomers who attend.” “We’ll be there on time,” my father assured him. I took my things and went upstairs. The house felt musty and dim, the rich brown carpet almost black, and the large fireplace dominating one wall. My mother opened the windows to let in fresh air and light. As we unpacked, Matthew gave precise directions for each room. My bedroom was at the far end of the house, overlooking the woods. It was peaceful, but the loneliness gnawed at me. Three days flew by as we settled in. On Monday, I woke up, dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt, and packed my bag with as many textbooks as it could hold. It was the first day of school. My stomach churned with anxiety as we approached the school. My mother watched me in the rearview mirror. “It’ll be fine,” she said softly. “Just keep your head down and behave.” I groaned and slipped out the back door, staring up at the brick building, dread settling in. How awful it would be if they found out I didn’t have a wolf. As soon as I entered the office, a striking woman in her mid-30s greeted me. Her jet-black hair brushed her shoulders, and massive oval glasses perched on the bridge of her perfectly straight nose. She had cherry-red lips, and her warm smile instantly put me at ease. Her dark eyes met mine as I approached. “You must be Katrina,” she said warmly. She scanned my ID, then handed me my schedule, student card, and locker key. The combination was written on the card, and my stomach flipped when I saw the daily training sessions listed. “Two hours of classroom teaching and one hour of wolf training each day,” she explained. Panic bubbled up—I couldn’t hide my lack of a wolf for long. I thanked her and hurried to my locker, dreading the week ahead. The locker opened easily with the right code. As I grabbed my books, I noticed a girl watching me. She had a nose ring, short black hair, and thick eye makeup. “Hey, welcome,” she said with a grin. “I’m Ella.” She glanced at my agenda. “Ah, Katrina.” She seemed nice, so I followed her as she offered to show me around. “Word is you’re from Alpha Nkosi’s pack,” she said casually. The rumor was already spreading. “Beta Matthew and Alpha Antony were talking, and you must have Beta DNA,” Ella smiled. “It’s surprising Alpha Antony allowed a move since he despises Alpha Nkosi. Your parents must be something special.” She paused at an open classroom door. “No new students in years. Mr. Swift, our English teacher, is nice.” The students inside were engaged in calm conversations, a stark contrast to my last pack. I joined Ella at her table, where many students glanced our way. “That group over there—total nerds, always studying. And Nina, the blonde—she’s the worst. Avoid her,” Ella whispered. The teacher didn’t single me out as a new student, which was a relief. During lunch, as students and teachers prepared the training grounds, I noticed my mom and Alpha Antony arriving, which made me uneasy. “Does our Alpha often help with training?” I asked. “Every day, unless he’s in meetings,” Ella replied. We watched as Nina clung to Alpha Antony, clearly infatuated. “She thinks she’ll be his mate,” Ella commented. It made me anxious seeing Nina so close to him, but I kept my feelings hidden. Ella might be right about her being rude. The age difference between Alpha Antony and my old Alpha, who was in his sixties, was striking. “At 31, Alpha Antony’s a great leader—stern but fair. Thankfully, he’s not as awful as his father,” Ella said. “He took over after his father’s retirement?” I asked. “No,” Ella replied, lowering her voice. “At seventeen, Alpha Antony had him killed and seized control. But everyone welcomed the old Alpha’s death. He treated women like animals and killed anyone who disobeyed, even his mate.” My stomach churned. “That’s terrible,” I murmured. Ella nodded. “He disgusted all the packs. But when Alpha Antony took over, everything changed. He allowed women to join self-defense classes. Maybe that’s why he wanted your family here—your Beta genes give you an edge.” “Maybe,” I said, unsure. At noon, Ella and I changed into workout clothes and headed to the training grounds. “You want to watch the training?” she asked. I nodded. Alpha Antony invited me to sit with him in the stands. I watched as he helped the trainees, offering feedback. When he returned, he asked, “What do you think of school so far?” Feeling uneasy, I forced a smile. “Everything’s fine.” My mom’s anxious glance made me wary of him. “How often do you train with your mom?” he asked. “She doesn’t want me to miss training,” I replied. He nodded. “Good. Rest today and tomorrow, but on Monday, you’ll join the team.” Nina, standing in front of me, stared intently, her presence unsettling. “Nina, focus on training and get back to the pitch!” Antony shouted. She pouted, “I was just seeing if you needed help, Alpha.” Her interest in him was obvious. She narrowed her eyes at me before leaving, and I knew she’d be trouble from the start. Antony turned to me. “I have to head back out there, Katrina. See you around.” He walked over to my mom, who was scolding Nina for leaving the pitch. After school, my mom grabbed my arm as soon as she saw me, pulling me away from the crowd. “Katrina, you need to stay out of sight, especially from the Alpha and his Beta,” she warned. “I didn’t seek him out, Mom. He came to me.” “That doesn’t matter,” she snapped. “Just because you’re my daughter doesn’t mean you can slack off. Now, get out there and start running.” “What? Mom, seriously?” I protested. Beta Matthew appeared beside us. “Is there a problem?” he asked. Mom lowered her head. “No, Beta.” She pointed to the field. “Get going, Katrina.” Reluctantly, I threw my jumper at her and started running. Her sudden strictness confused me. “Thirty laps,” she yelled. I groaned and rolled my eyes as I began. By twenty laps, my legs burned, and my lungs felt like they were on fire. I stopped to catch my breath. “Ten more, Katrina! I didn’t say stop,” she barked. “This is ridiculous,” I muttered. “Want more added?” Mom threatened. Shaking my head, I pushed through the final laps, aware that Antony was watching, clearly displeased. When I finally collapsed onto the grass, gasping for air, my mom looked down at me. “Remember, Katrina, everything I do is for your benefit. I might go easy on you, but the pack won’t.” I tried to calm my breathing with my arms above my head, water bottle in hand. The pain was so intense I whimpered. Alpha Antony approached, but I stayed still, embarrassed by my weakness. “I need to speak with you, Dianna,” he said, heading toward my mom. I averted my eyes, feeling self-conscious. Ella handed me water, and I managed to sit up, though my legs felt like jelly. After school, as I struggled to get to my locker, Nina confronted me. Her blonde highlights and sparkling chocolate eyes made her look attractive, but her harsh demeanor revealed her cruelty. She shoved me against the wall and yanked at my shirt. “Don’t mess with the Alpha or I’ll make your life hell.” I wriggled free, sarcastically thanking her, “Wow, thanks for the heads up!” “Nina, stop it,” I said. She grabbed my hair, pulling hard. I punched her in the back of the head, causing her to scream and cover her face. Following my mom’s advice, I slapped her, causing blood to spill down her chin. “What’s going on?” Beta Matthew appeared in the corridor. Tina, sobbing, said, “The whore attacked me!” Ella spoke up, “She grabbed Katrina’s hair and threatened her.” I stayed silent as my mom and Alpha Antony arrived. My mom looked at Tina and said, “You brought this on yourself. Behave, or you’ll face worse in my training sessions.” Despite her strictness, I respected and loved her. Watching Tina flee in tears, I felt a pang of pity but quickly moved past it. She had become more of a rival than a classmate. Mom shook her head, clearly frustrated. “Katrina, trouble on your first day—goodness.” Ella stepped in. “Tina attacked her first. Katrina was just defending herself.” That made me appreciate Ella more. Alpha Antony announced, “Katrina, both of you will have detention tomorrow.” I noticed Mom’s displeased expression, though I didn’t quite understand it. Ella peered curiously. “Beta Mathew will deal with Tina,” Alpha Antony said, nodding to Mathew. “Go ahead,” Antony added, and I packed up quickly, trying to keep up with my mom as she stormed down the hall. “Always drawing attention to yourself,” she fumed. I ignored her, saying, “But you told me to defend myself.” “Katrina, I meant it. Without this pack, we have nowhere else to go. Nkosi made sure no other pack would take us.” She sighed deeply. “It was a miracle Alpha Antony took us in.” On the drive home, Mom was silent, her frustration evident in the way she slammed the steering wheel and sped off. The next day, during detention, I tried to stay out of the spotlight. When I got home, Dad stopped me before I could head to my room. “How was your first day at school?” he asked. Mom had told him about the argument and the detention. “Did you win?” he asked, always eager to support me. I forced a smile. Dad asked Mom, “What did you do to my daughter?” “We got home late because she had to run thirty laps,” Mom replied. I slipped away, feeling miserable. Mom told Dad, “Tomorrow, Katrina will have detention with the Alpha alone.” Dad’s face tightened. “Detention? We mustn’t anger the Alpha. If he finds out you don’t have a wolf before we prove your worth, we’re in trouble.” I worried about the embarrassment and burden on my family if we were expelled. The idea of standing out or being kicked out was terrifying. “Can I go now?” I asked, desperate to escape. Mom said, “Even if you go, remember that packs don’t tolerate members without wolves.” Feeling overwhelmed by their constant supervision, I went to bed early, hoping for some peace. The next morning, Mom yelled at me to get ready. She handed me a pie for the ride, and I ate it as she lectured me on fitting in. I nodded along, pretending to be attentive. At school, Ella waved and called, “Katrina!” “Geometry first,” she said, and I grunted in response. Despite my good grades, the class was excruciatingly dull and gave me a headache. While Mom spoke with teachers, Ella and I made the most of the first period. When noon came, I dreaded detention, but Antony hadn’t specified where. At the bell, Alpha Antony stormed into my classroom. I was stunned and anxious, knowing I’d disappoint Mom. Ella gave me a sympathetic look as I hurried out, deciding to face the Alpha despite my fear. “Does geometry class drag for you too?” Alpha Antony asks with a grin. “Yeah, a bit. Why do you ask?” I reply. “I used to skip it and get punished. Your expression reminds me of that.” I force a smile, hiding that my pain is his fault. He barks, “Let’s go,” and heads out. As he opens my locker, he chokes me lightly. “I know everything,” I say, raising an eyebrow. “High pulse rate. Your parents’ story doesn’t add up. I bet they didn’t leave just because your mother hit the Alpha’s daughter,” he says, rubbing my back. I wince as his grip on my hand numbs my arm. “Um, Alpha, your grip…” I start to say. “Sorry,” he releases me, confused. “What’s detention like?” I ask, following him down empty hallways. “Don’t worry, you won’t get in trouble,” he reassures me as we enter the faculty lounge. I sit in his chair, breathing deeply to mask his strong scent. Mathew enters with a dish of roasted meat and places it on the desk, eyeing me curiously. “Lunchtime?” I ask, confused. “Detention can be different. What do you prefer?” Antony raises an eyebrow. “Not this,” I admit, surprised by the laid-back approach. The meat is surprisingly good. After we finish, Mathew clears the trays and asks, “How’s it going here?” “Pretty well,” I reply, trying to smile. Mathew drapes an arm over my shoulder, sniffing me. I glance at Antony, who seems uninterested. When I try to move, Mathew pulls me closer. “Hands off, Mathew!” Antony shouts. Mathew grins, raises his hands, and steps back, giving us space. “Before you go, I have a few questions,” Antony says after Mathew leaves. “Why did you really join our pack?” he asks. “I wonder why you allowed us to join if you think we have secrets,” I reply, feeling awkward. Antony continues, “I chose the best fighters from Alpha Nkosi. I’m curious about your potential.” I ask, “What if I don’t meet expectations?” “You’ve got Beta blood. Your mother is a strong fighter,” he says, making me worry about my secret. “Can I ask a question?” I ask. “Sure,” he replies. “Have you met your mate yet?” “No, I’m not eighteen.” Antony presses, “Why did your family move?” I feel tight and sweaty, but say, “What my parents told you is true.” Antony nods, “You can go, Katrina, but we’ll talk again.” Alpha Antony’s POV As I watched Katrina leave, I knew her family was hiding something. If she weren’t my mate, I might’ve reconsidered admitting them. The chance to end the feud with Nkosi was too tempting. It was odd that Philip and Dianna never mentioned their children despite their high status. Katrina seemed off, though she came from a strong family. Mathew entered through the back, as I’d instructed, to investigate her further. “She’s your mate, right?” he asked. I sighed, acknowledging it. “I want to spend time alone with her.” Mathew asked, “Why not ask her parents directly?” “I don’t want to upset them. She’ll hate me if I clash with them,” I explained. “What’s next?” he inquired. “I don’t want to seem like a freak around her,” I admitted. Mathew suggested, “Check on her tomorrow. A pack run will be held every Friday. Let her adjust to the group first.” “Fine,” I said. Mathew asked with a smile, “Are you planning to confront her?” “Nothing major. Tina’s been a nuisance, so I paired her with Katrina for training,” I said, irritated. “Are you trying to provoke me?” Mathew asked. “I’ll ensure Tina doesn’t overstep. Her skills are useful, but her dislike of Katrina complicates things,” I replied. Katrina is fierce, no question. Mathew says “She will get what it takes.” “You best hope so because if she gets wounded, you will be dead.” “Her father was Beta and her mother fought well. Nothing to worry about.” Tina fights unfairly, as I’ve seen in crew training. I knew my partner could handle herself even in her condition. Given her strength and stamina, it would be intriguing to watch her wolf transformation. I was excited to meet her wolf. Hidden among the spectators, I avoided detection. Mathew’s pairing was odd. Dianna seems to be conversing to her kid as she approaches the playground. Katrina seemed sick and sweaty. “What’s the deal, is she truly doing fine?” I see Katrina go to the closest garbage can and puke. Dianna’s mother is strict. After staring at her daughter for what seemed like a lifetime, she told her to return to fieldwork. Ella approaches and shakily touches Katrina’s arm. Ella is a great buddy, and I’m happy to have her. Besides Tina and her friends, she gets along with everyone. Dianna, Katrina’s mother, advises her to “get it together,” and she nods before leaving. Katrina shakes Ella’s arm sharply after telling her to leave. “Why don’t you see any problems?” Mathew leans forward when I tell him. “To me, she appeared fine.”He answers. I wait on the stairs edge to observe Katrina and Tina enter their square before descending. Tina stands steadfast while Katrina staggers from weariness. Katrina’s wolf growls, keeping its distance. As Tina lunges, Katrina rolls onto her back to dodge, then kicks Tina in the face, sending her stumbling away with a bleeding nose. Katrina, drenched in sweat, looks troubled. My wolf growls, “Wolfsbane,” and I catch the scent. Mathew notices, “Something’s wrong.” She moved before I could take two steps down the stairway. The Katrina Pov My mother took me into her office on my way to training. “You scared me to death.” Her expressionless, steely face stared at me coldly. “Where have you been?” “Place of confinement; where else?” “I went looking for you, and I found out that neither you nor Tina were in custody.” “At fact, I am in the Alpha’s office.” “This is the day when the wolves go through their training.” Mom remarked forcefully, appearing alarmed. I’ll tell them I’m unwell, she says, shaking her head. A pocket item she pulls gives me the willies; I haven’t seen it in years. “You have to go, “she continues, but “we can make up a tale for why you can’t alter your situation if you take one of them. ” “I’m sorry, Mom, but it just can’t happen.” “There’s no way around it; we can’t risk them finding out until you’ve shown your usefulness to the pack.” Although I had no wolf, my mother fed me nevertheless when I was younger to hide it from the Alpha. She then fed me them to get me used to them so I wouldn’t have any issues. Until my dad discovered it. He stopped thinking about it, and I stopped taking the most fatal medicine to werewolves. “Don’t tell your father.”She warns. I told her my dad will smell it on me since he’s done it before. She opens her black medicine container. She opens it and shows me the white tablets. She hisses quietly while clenching her teeth. She expects me to swallow it. “No! ” She looks disgusted when I tell her. “But just because you’re acting like a spoilt brat won’t mean I’m going to throw everything away.” “And how should I explain?” “Just say you ate it somewhere,” Mom says, shoving the tablet into my hand. I refuse the water. “Swallow it now!” she commands. I chew the tablet, feeling excitement and fear clash inside me. If the Alpha finds out the truth, I’m in trouble. Outside, pain hits hard. “Mum!” I scream, clutching my stomach. “Kick their ass, just like I taught you.” “No, Mom, they’re wolves.” “Don’t let me down,” she echoes as she drags me to the pitch. I stagger to the nearest trash can, clutching my aching stomach, blood, and sweat pouring from me. “What’s happening, Katrina?” Ella’s voice fades as I blur out, unable to respond. My mother and Tina’s shouts ring in my ears. I can’t keep up; my legs give out. Tina charges at me, and I barely dodge her punch. I kick her away, but everything starts to darken. My bones ache, and I reach out mentally, whispering to my mother, “I’m sorry, Mom. I feel so weak.” As claws and teeth rush toward me, I brace for the worst. I open my eyes to see the brown wolf, and then the Alpha, bloody from Tina’s attack.

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I Woke Up Trending, Labeled as the “Heartless Player” by the Entire Internet At night, the superstar I “abandoned” pinned me down. “Darling, you can’t escape this time…” 0 “Hello?” I answered the phone irritably. After spending the whole night out with friends, being woken up by a phone call left me with a splitting headache and in a foul mood. “Oh my God, young master, check the trending topics right now!” “What’s going on…” I mumbled as I opened the trending page. The top topic instantly jolted me awake. #AlexFosterComesOut #AlexFosterHeartbroken What!? My heart skipped a beat as a familiar handsome face flashed in my mind. Everyone knows that I, Zack Harrison, am a notorious spoiled rich kid in the capital city. Young but ruthless, I’ve built my own business empire at a tender age. Of course, I’m also quite the playboy. But no one knows that eight years ago, Zack Harrison was just scrounging for food in dumpsters, struggling to find his next meal, barely surviving. It was during one of those dumpster dives that I found Alex. I was 19, and he was 17. “Come with me,” I said to Alex. My mentally ill mother had committed suicide by jumping off a building when I was 16, leaving me with nothing but scars all over my body and a run-down house for shelter. Perhaps I saw a reflection of my former self in Alex. I didn’t ask where he came from or why he was there. I only asked his name before taking him home. 0

At 16, Alex still needed to continue his education. I paid his tuition fees. It turned out he was an excellent student. I couldn’t understand what his parents were thinking. It was already difficult enough to support myself, and now with Alex, I had to work multiple jobs every day. Alex didn’t say much, but he somehow managed to find ingredients to cook. Every time I returned home, there was always a hot meal waiting for me. Used to eating leftover takeout from restaurants, I suddenly felt this broken-down house become much warmer. After dinner, Alex would dutifully start washing the dishes. Looking at his skinny frame, I noticed that Alex was tall – even at 16, he was already slightly taller than me. But he was just too thin, seemingly malnourished. However, this didn’t detract from his handsomeness. As a first-time guardian, I made a mental note to ensure the kid got a balanced diet. I was actually starting to take on the role of a parent. At first, Alex didn’t like to talk much, and I didn’t force him. Sometimes I would just chat away, and gradually Alex began to open up. We weren’t that far apart in age and had similar experiences, so living together, we didn’t feel so lonely anymore. “Alex, call me brother,” I said with a grin, a cigarette dangling from my lips. Alex was doing his homework nearby, the dim light casting a glow on his handsome face. He looked up, frowning slightly, and walked towards me. That handsome face zoomed in before my eyes, and I froze. But Alex just took the cigarette from my mouth, put it out, and tossed it in the trash. I finally reacted, “Hey, what are you doing?” “Smoke less, it’s bad for your health,” Alex said without looking back, returning to his desk to continue his homework. I rebelled, “Who are you to tell me what to do?” Alex looked up, his beautiful eyes gazing at me, and simply said, “Brother.” That was enough to render me speechless. I mumbled as I quickly tried to escape the situation, “Fine, I won’t smoke.” Little did I know, Alex smiled after I turned my back. 0

Although both Alex and I were very frugal, money was still a headache, especially with Alex’s school fees and various expenses. To cover these costs, I took on as much work as I could. I was smart, young, hardworking, and not picky about jobs, so many middlemen liked working with me. But unknowingly, this started to infringe on some people’s interests. Every day, I was thinking about Alex – what to feed him to improve his nutrition, buying new clothes for him as the weather turned cold, getting some milk because he seemed stressed with his studies lately… Little did I know, I had already been targeted. Once, while serving food, a customer found a toothpick in their dish. They immediately slapped me across the face. I had been working so hard lately, day and night, that this slap made me see stars. My fair cheek immediately swelled up. But I kept apologizing with my head bowed. The manager came out to handle the situation, and in the end, the customer’s meal was comped. Back in the kitchen, the manager frowned as he questioned me, finally saying that the cost of the customer’s meal would be deducted from my wages. I looked up, “Why? It’s not entirely my fault, is it?” The manager, irritated by my defiance, shouted, “If you can handle it, stay. If not, get out!” I could only silently endure it. After the night shift ended, I confronted a few people who had been sabotaging me, “It was you guys, wasn’t it?” They laughed it off, but stopped when they saw me in the darkness. The leader spoke bluntly, “Working so hard, thought we’d teach you a lesson.” I smiled, which confused them. I suddenly charged out from the darkness, swinging a brick at them. It was several of them against just me, but having grown up fighting, I held my own. Finally, they couldn’t take it anymore. The leader gritted his teeth, “Damn, we’re done. You got lucky today!” But I wasn’t in great shape either, my injuries no better than theirs. I felt dizzy and worse than before, sitting down to rest with my eyes closed. “Are you okay?” A voice woke me up. It was a female student. I recognized the uniform; Alex had the same one. The student was very concerned about me and even bought some medicine from a nearby pharmacy to help bandage me up. I waved her off, “It’s not necessary.” “No, your injuries…” Our conversation was suddenly interrupted. “Zack.” A familiar voice. I looked up, and there was Alex, his face full of anxiety. Was it my imagination, or did his expression seem a bit cold? The girl blushed when she saw Alex and softly said, “Alex.” I frowned. Alex took me home and crouched down to help bandage my wounds, silent all the while. I felt something wet on my hand. Alex was crying. The usually strong and quiet Alex was crying. I was at a loss, “Don’t, don’t cry. It’s not like you’re the one who got beaten up.” Alex suddenly pulled me into his arms, using all his strength, as if trying to meld me into his bones. He cried on my shoulder, saying between sobs, “I won’t go to school anymore. I’ll get a job, I’ll earn money…” I got angry, “Don’t even think about it. Your brother is working so hard just so you can study. You can’t just decide not to go to school. It’s not possible…” Before I could finish, my mouth was covered. Alex pressed his lips against mine. I was stunned. The bitterness of tears exploded on my taste buds, and my mind exploded too. 0

After that kiss that day, I started avoiding Alex. Alex seemed to sense it, and we both tacitly agreed not to disturb each other. The nightclub was a kaleidoscope of flashing lights and writhing bodies – the most famous club in the capital city. I was quite satisfied with my new job. The patrons were either rich or powerful. With my good looks and sociable nature, I always got the most in drink commissions and tips. Although I occasionally had to put up with some groping, thinking about how this money could help Alex and me live better, I endured it. I just treated it like being bitten by a dog. Alex’s birthday was coming up, and it was his coming-of-age celebration. I had my eye on a watch that cost several thousand dollars, but I was worried about how to afford it. “Zack, take this to Room 302,” the manager called me over. I picked up the bottle and headed to Room 302. Seeing the people in the room, I knew I could make a lot of money today. They were all dressed expensively, each with beautiful men and women on their arms. They clearly weren’t short on cash. I started drinking games with the people in the room. If I drank ten bottles, they’d give me $5,000. Not bad, $500 a bottle. This money was too good to pass up. My alcohol tolerance was incredibly high, built up over time. I downed five bottles in a row, not noticing that the expressions of the leading men had changed as they watched me. But by the seventh bottle, I couldn’t take it anymore. My mouth burned, my stomach churned, and I could barely stand. But looking at the three bottles left, I gritted my teeth, opened the cap, and started pouring it down my throat. “That’s enough, you don’t need to drink anymore,” a refined voice said. “I can still…” I thought the man was trying to back out of the deal. The man interrupted me, “No need to drink more. Five thousand, I’ll still give it to you.” Only then did I put down the bottle. The man gave me five thousand and shooed me out. Although I was confused, I had the money in hand, so I didn’t think much of it. But as I walked, I felt something was off with my body. I felt weak all over, and there was a strange heat burning through my entire body. I hid in the bathroom, unbuttoned a couple of buttons, and splashed cold water on my face. But it didn’t help at all; instead, I felt even hotter. I leaned against the cold tiles, panting. “Zack—” A familiar voice. Seeing Alex was like seeing a lifeline. I didn’t even wonder why Alex was here. I threw myself at him, my voice trembling, “Alex, help me, help your brother…” I saw Alex’s eyes darken, “Okay.”

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